Five Top Local Chefs Host Annual Dinner to Support The Next Door’s Raíces Cooperative Farm

Feb 26

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From The Next Door Inc.:

By Jordan Flores

Hood River, Ore., Feb. 26, 2026 — The Next Door is thrilled to invite the community to join us for an unforgettable evening at Celilo Restaurant on Sunday, April 19th at 5 p.m. Five top local chefs will come together to create a superb five-course dinner featuring locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, paired with Analemma wine and pFriem beer generously donated in support of the evening.

This marks the third year in a row that chefs Aaron Baumhackl of Solstice Pizza, Ben Stenn of Celilo, John Helleberg of Ruby June Inn, Kathy Watson of Nora's Table, and Lindsay Gott of Gâteaux have generously donated their time and talent to host this special evening in support of a local nonprofit. The Next Door is honored to be this year’s beneficiary, with proceeds supporting our Raíces Cooperative Farm, a program cultivating opportunity and leadership for Latino farmers.

"This event is a powerful reminder of what's possible when our community comes together to support one another," says Anna Osborn, Department Manager of Economic Development Services. "The generosity of these chefs and dinner guests will help create opportunities for Latino families in the Gorge and support farmers in growing fresh chemical-free food for their families and our community."

Seating for this fundraiser will be limited to only 50 guests at $250 per plate. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve your plate early here: https://givebutter.com/bignightinasmalltown

About Raíces Cooperative Farm
Founded in 2009 from a Latino leadership development course, Raíces began as a community garden idea and has grown into a thriving cooperative of more than 25 Latino families in Hood River County. Today, Raíces operates across four farm locations in Hood River and Odell, Oregon, providing families with access to land and the tools, training, and support needed to grow organic fruits and vegetables.