Principals to take on Chef Challenge to raise funds

The four Laguna Beach Unified School District principals will once again get a taste of what it’s like to be a waiter when they serve diners a three-course meal during a district fundraiser later this month.

SchoolPower, a nonprofit that raises money for district schools, will host the seventh Chef Challenge at 6 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Lumberyard restaurant, owned by Cary and Suzanne Redfearn.

Prior to the event, the principals will split into groups of two and select dishes from the Lumberyard menu. The night of the event, Lumberyard Chef Armando Ortega prepares the food and the principals serve customers. Diners will sample all of the appetizers, main courses and desserts and vote for their favorites.

Chris Duddy and Mike Conlon, principals at El Morro and Top of the World elementary schools, respectively, will form one team while Thurston Middle School Principal Jenny Salberg and Laguna Beach High Principal Christopher Herzfeld comprise the other team.

Since its inception, the event has generated nearly $65,890.

As of early this week SchoolPower was still accepting reservations for a limited number of seats. Cost is $95 per person with wine. To reserve, visit SchoolPower’s website at lbschoolpower.org or call (949) 494-6811.

The Lumberyard restaurant is at 384 Forest Ave.