Celebrity chef Cat Cora, eight select Jackson-area chefs to participate in culinary event to benefit nursing scholarships at UMMC

Celebrity chef and Jackson native Cat Cora of Food Network’s Iron Chef America, along with her mother, Dr. Virginia Lee Cora, UMMC professor emeritus of nursing, and eight select chefs from the Jackson metropolitan area will participate in the Mississippi Culanthropy, a culinary philanthropic event to benefit UMMC School of Nursing scholarships, scheduled from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Table 100 on Lakeland Drive in Flowood. A VIP reception is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample tapas-style dishes prepared by the eight local chefs, visit with Cat Cora, the first female Iron Chef, sample signature cocktails and other beverages, and enjoy live music performed by Mississippi’s own Swing de Paris.

Dr. James E. Keeton, UMMC vice chancellor for health affairs, will make a special announcement during the event.

Please Note: Although media are welcome to cover the Mississippi Culanthropy, availability to Cat Cora may be limited during the event.  

Tickets cost $150 per person or $250 per couple, and net proceeds will benefit an endowed scholarship in the University of Mississippi School of Nursing.

Cat Cora’s connection to nursing in Mississippi and the School of Nursing at UMMC is hereditary: her grandmother, Alma O. Brothers, began a legacy of nursing achievement that was continued by Cat Cora’s mother, Dr. Virginia Lee Cora, a UMMC School of Nursing graduate and SON faculty member for more than 20 years. To honor this proud nursing heritage, Cat Cora is participating in this event, which will support nursing education in Mississippi for generations to come.

Joining Cora are eight selected chefs who will be preparing samples of their signature dishes to be served at the event: Mike Roemhild of host restaurant Table 100, David Ferris of Babalu, Matthew Kajdan of Parlor Market, Dan Blumenthal of Bravo!, Derek Emerson of Walker’s Drive-In, Gary Hawkins of 1908 Provisions, Tom Ramsey of La Finestra and Alex Eaton of The Manship. Scott Jackson of Colony Wine Market will serve as the certified sommelier.

Regions Bank is the title sponsor of the event. Additional sponsors include Table 100, Cathead Vodka, Capital City Beverage and Great Southern Events. 

To purchase tickets to Mississippi Culanthropy featuring Mississippi’s own Cat Cora and eight of Jackson’s top chefs, visit www.umc.edu/giveto.