Ball-Chatham Educational Foundation

06/05/2026

We had so much fun Supporting our Friends at Titan Fuel tonight. Dinner was Delicious, Company Fantastic and overall just a Wonderful Evening! 🍎❤️🦐

05/30/2026

Our Iron Chef 2026 People's Choice Winner, Chef Dustin C***s of Legacy Pointe Eatery recieves Well Deserved Accolades. 👏❤️🍎

Meet Dustin C***s, our next New and Emerging Business Owner of the Year for The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Dustin owns Legacy Pointe Eatery and has always found creative ways to set himself apart from the very beginning. His first job as a high schooler started in the Charlie Parker's kitchen, then on to LLCC where he truly fell in love with food and the artistry behind it. From there he worked at a country club, travelled to soak in all that he could, and helped open both Finley's Tap House and Sangamo Brewing Co. When an opportunity to open his own restaurant came up, his aunt encouraged him to chase after that dream and the rest is history.

This guy puts everything he has in to creating an incredible dining experience for his customers. He listens. Truly listens and responds, adjust, shifts and puts the needs of this community first. Before opening on his first day, he made the decision to use a brick pizza oven for a new Gluten Free menu. He saw the challenges families had dining without those adequate options, so he did the research, trained, and made his restaurant more inclusive to dietary restrictions on the spot. It is now one of the things he is known best for.

On top of an amazing seasonal menu, this guy is truly generous with his time and talents. Last year, he won Judges Choice in The Iron Chef Gala, where he competes and donates an amazing boating experience that culminates in a meal prepared back on land with him as the private chef and all for charity. Taking care of people is his top priority and it extends far beyond the walls of his restaurant. If you haven't been out by Scheels to see him yet for a truly wonderful dining experience, don't let the new parking traffic from the Sports Dome fool you! A table with a fantastic meal is waiting just inside for you and make sure you stop Executive Chef Dustin C***s on the way by, because you could not meet a more respectful, kind and passionate guy. Everything he does is with beautiful intention and a big 'ol smile. He is one-of-a-kind. Congrats Dustin for this very well deserved nomination!

05/22/2026

💥 IRON CHEF ANNOUNCEMENT 💥

The Iron Chef 2026 PHOTOS are Here!

Click Here to See our Antics:
https://www.rachelholdenphotography.com/Client-Galleries/Iron-Chef-2026

Thank you to ALL who came out to Support!

Our Sponsors, Chefs, Bartenders, Judges, Volunteers, EmCee, Auctioneer and Guests, because of you we have gifted 80 Classroom Grants and a $2500 Community Impact Scholarship this year to Enrich the Educational Experience for our Students, Teachers and Staff at Ball-Chatham CUSD5. ❤️🍎

📸: Rachel Holden Photography
🖼: Star Graphics & Media
🏤: Crowne Plaza Springfield
🥳: Having A Ball Productions
🎶: Michael Ross & Crew

This gallery hosted by SmugMug; your photos look better here.

05/19/2026

Thank you Springfield Scene Magazine for your Support! ❤️🍎

More than 600 guests gathered for Iron Chef 2026 on May 8th at the Crown Plaza, an evening of gourmet competition, inventive cocktails, and community celebration benefiting the Ball Chatham Educational Foundation. Nine local chefs and six bartenders showcased their culinary creativity as attendees s...

05/15/2026

Ball Chatham Educational Foundation introduced a scholarship this year inspired by the 2024-2025 student council members.

In the face of the heart-breaking tragedy last year, these young leaders took action with strength, compassion and a sense of purpose far beyond their years.

Not only did they lead with heart, they mobilized our schools and our community to raise funds to offer support when it was needed most.

Their response was not just admirable, it was inspirational, and we are proud to honor that spirit of leadership and service in a lasting way.

We are humbled to introduce our Community Impact Scholarship in the amount of $2500 to be awarded annually. This scholarship will carry their legacy forward by supporting future students who lead with integrity, compassion and courage.

We are proud to announce that this year's winner is Mackenzie Jones

We asked our scholarship applicants to describe how they identified a community issue or need and took actions that made an impact on the community.

While we had several wonderful applicants, our recipient perfectly exemplified the essence of the scholarship.

Mackenzie saw a need in our micro-food pantries to provide filling, nutritious meals for families in our community and enlisted fellow Key Club members to help provide complete, shelf-stable meals along with recipes. She has since provided more than 100 meals and has already expanded program, with Key Club members committed to continuing the service after she graduates.

Congratulations Mackenzie! ❤️🍎

05/12/2026

🔥IRON CHEF ANNOUNCEMENT:

Nine Chefs & Six Bartenders brought their A Game. Over 600 Atendees Ate, Drank, Tasted and Voted... (drum roll) and the Iron Chef 2026 Winners are:

🏆 Judges Choice - Chef Everett Smith from the Crowne Plaza
He served: Shoyu Hoisin Braised Beef Short Rib, Spiced Sweet Potato Puree, Crispy Rice Paper, Microgreens

🏆 Peoples Choice - Chef Dustin C***s from Legacy Pointe Eatery
He served: Applewood Smoked and Maple Glazed Pork Belly with Heirloom Baby Carrot, Smashed Yukon Gold Potato, Pomegranate Arils, Blackberry Balsamic Reduction, Micro Mustard Greens, Crispy Potato Garnish

🏆 Battle of the Bartenders - Billy Monnett from Win, Lose, or Draught - WLD
He served: "Berry Me at WLD" Ole Smoky Blackberry Whiskey, Grand Marnier, Blackberry Simple, Lemonade, Muddled Blackberries

Huge Thanks to ALL of our Sponsors, Chefs, Bartenders, Judges and Atendees! With their help, we have already gifted 80 Classroom Grants and a $2500 Community Imapct Scholarship this school year to Enrich the Educational Experience for our Students, Teachers and Staff at Ball-Chatham CUSD5! ❤️🍎

Missed the Party, but still want to Support? Click here to Donate: https://www.ballchathameducationalfoundation.org/

Special Thanks to MJ Kellner & Southern Glazers for providing our Competitors products.

📸: Rachel Holden Photography
🖼: Star Graphics & Media
🎉: Having A Ball Productions

05/06/2026

Hey you Guys!!! Our Iron Chef 2026 Silent Auction is now LIVE. Let the Bidding Begin! ❤️🍎

Package 1: Links & Libations ($400 value)
Foursome of Golf with Cart at Panther Creek Country Club
Bottle of Blanton's: The Original Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
Donated by: James Walter Reed & Kara Herrin

Package 2: Recipe for Sunshine ($150 value)
(2) Family of 5 Passes to Colony West Swim Club
Fun in the Sun Beach Bag with Tools to Enjoy your Day
Donated by: Charla Warren & Michelle Steckel

Package 3: Schedule & Sip: A Curated Calm ($400 value)
Beautiful UpCycled Dry Erase & Magnetic Weekly Family Planner
2022 Elena Walch Vigna Kastelaz Gewurztraminer from Alto Adige, Italy
2022 True Myth Pinot Noir from San Luis Obispa Coast, CA
2024 Tablas Creek Vineyard Dianthus from Adelaida District Paso Robles, CA
Donated by: Kristen Wilbern & Jill Barth

Package 4: Mom's off Duty - Kitchen is Closed! ($400 value)
Floral Piece from Saturdays by Periwinkles
$50 gift certificate to SGK Boutique
Ulta Relaxation Sampler
Sunflower Grow Kit donated by The Coop
District 23 Cocktail Hour & Semi Private Shopping Experience for (15) guests
Family Dinner for (4) donated by Cafe Moxo
Donated by: Tamar Mikhail

Package 5: Tools of the Trade ($400 value)
Caraway Minis Duo & Cabinet Organizer
Iron Chef Cutting Board & Iron Chef Decanter
Donated by: The Sorted Home, Megan Johnson

Package 6: Bicycle, Bites & Brews ($650 value)
Haro Aeras Fitness Hybrid Bike
$50 gift certificate to Sangamo Brewery
Donated by: Wheel Fast Bicycle Company

Package 7: Savor the Springs ($600 value)
$50 gift certificate to The Local Seafood & Oyster Bar
Two nights stay at a Waterfront Airbnb
(3) bedroom (2) bath Vacation Rental sleeps (8)
Located in Southern Hot Springs, Arkansas
Donated by: Patrick Tinsley

Package 8: Chef Augie is BACK... just for you! ($500 value)
Four Course Romantic Dinner for Two
Prepared by Chef Augie himself & Delivered Directly to you
Staging & Wine Pairing provided by Having a Ball Productions
Donated by: Charla Warren & Stephanie Endsley

Package 9: Ageless Indulgence ($400 value)
Fountain of Youth IV Therapy
Promotes Improved Recovery, Sustained Energy & Better Overall Wellness
Also includes Six Weeks of Vitamin Injections
Donated by: Gameday Men's Health & Erin Eggleston

Package 10: Berry me at WLD ($100 value)
Billy Monnett's Iron Chef Competition Cocktail
Includes: Ole Smokey Blackberry Whiskey
Iron Chef Commemorative Decanter
$25 gift certificate to Win, Lose, or Draught - WLD

Package 11: Dark Cocoa Orange Silk ($100 value)
Emily Keen's Iron Chef Competition Cocktail
Includes: Pinnacle Whipped Vodka & Licor 43 Chocolate
Iron Chef Commemorative Decanter

Package 12: Espresso Martini ($100 value)
Marcie Williams' Iron Chef Competition Cocktail
Includes: Absolut Vanilla Vodka
Iron Chef Commemorative Decanter
$25 gift certificate to The Tap Room

Package 13: The Rushin' New Yorker ($100 value)
Blake Samat's Iron Chef Competition Cocktail
Includes: Grey Goose
Iron Chef Commemorative Decanter
$25 gift certificate to Sangamo Brewing, Restaurant & Museum

Package 14: Blue Melon Margito ($100 value)
Liz Gall's Iron Chef Competition Cocktail
Includes: Jose Cuervo Traditional Blanco
Iron Chef Commemorative Decanter
$25 gift certificate to Route 66 MotorHeads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex

Package 15: Tiki Coatlicue
Andrea Fabella's Iron Chef Competition Cocktail
Includes: Cruzan Spiced Rum
Iron Chef Commemorative Decanter
$25 gift certificate to Ramona Tacos + Mezcal

Click Here to Bid: https://givebutter.com/c/ftZDiw/auction

05/06/2026

We are so excited for Iron Chef 2026 THIS Friday!

👏 to our Sponsors:
Piper Glen Golf Club, MJ Kellner, United Community Bank, B&B Electric, Capitol City Now, Clocktower Community Bank, David Hilst - American Family Insurance Agent, INB, N.A., Jane Hay Sales and Staging Team at The Real Estate Group, Inc., KEB, Peerless Cleaning & Restoration Services, Restore + Core, Win, Lose, or Draught - WLD, Allied Plumbing Heating & Cooling, bankwithBOS, CEFCU, Illinois Pork Producers, Scoop Du Jour, Systemax, & Vision Care Associates

👏 to our Chefs:
• Brian Reilly, Cured Catering
• Everett Smith, Crowne Plaza
• Dustin C***s Legacy Pointe Eatery
• Rick McRill, Illini Country Club
• Kimsimone Manning, The Flippin Korean
• Alvaro Alvarez, Unbelizeable Bites
• Maney Jerez, Ramona Tacos + Mezcal
• Austin Mabie, Smoke & Vine Wood Fire Kitchen
• Chelsey Ziebler, Vine & Rind

👏 to our Battle of the Bartenders:
• Andrea R. Fabela, Ramona
• Blake Samat, Sangamo Brewing, Restaurant & Museum
• Emily Keen, Tipsy Söl Mobile Bar
• Marcie Williams, The Tap Room
• Liz Gall, Route 66 MotorHeads Bar & Grill, Museum & Entertainment Complex
• Billy Monnett, Win, Lose, or Draught - WLD

Come Eat, Drink, Visit & Support our Students, Teachers and Staff at Ball-Chatham CUSD5! ❤️🍎

Get your Tickets here:

By Ball-Chatham Educational Foundation

05/04/2026

⭐️IRON CHEF ANNOUNCEMENT⭐️

Austin Mabie - Smoke & Vine Wood Fire Kitchen

Chef Austin Mabie... WHAT'S HE SMOKING NOW!? Born & raised here in Springfield, IL, this 35 year old Culinary Warrior has been grinding since day one.

At just 11 years old, he got his workers permit and started slinging food at the 4-H food stand at the State Fair. That ignited a spark. From there he worked his way through highschool with pure determination, attending the Capital Area Career Center's culinary arts program while selling candy and soda to classmates just to fund his dream. After the heartbreaking loss of his middle brother during his senior year, Austin graduated and headed to St. Louis to attend Le Cole Cuinaire.

But, Family always came First. He returned to Springfield, dove straight into the fire and helped open multiple restaurants for his friends. He then took on a Downtown Italian spot and ran the line at their Brand New west side location, all while sharpening his craft with every single service. His next chapter was working under Chef Bradley Mechol at Nick & Ninos in the Hilton where he truly came into his own.

Now? Austin is the proud Owner & Operator of Smoke & Vine Wood Fire Kitchen & Vine Woodfire Kitchen at Danenberger Family Vineyards - His Latest and Greatest Adventure.

This first year competitor at Iron Chef 2026 is bringing the heat, the smoke and the flavor straight from Springfield. Get ready because whatever Chef Austin is smoking the night of the Gala will be Unforgettable! 🔥🍖

Get your Tickets for This Friday Here: https://givebutter.com/c/ftZDiw

12/07/2025

We love seeing the Kiddos enjoying their Disco! 🍎❤️🕺💃