03/30/2026
YouthUp Celebrity Chef Cook-Off a Success as Community Leaders Compete and Win
YouthUp, Inc.’s Fourth Annual Celebrity Chef Cook-Off was a delicious success as community leaders battled for prizes by bringing their best dish to the competition, a fundraiser for the organization that provides for a Youth Rally for participating teens each October during Fall Break. The Youth Leadership Council of eight teens worked the event, serving food, clearing tables and cleaning up after the event. Intermission included a beautiful rendition of Tasha Cobb’s You Know My Name, sung by soloist Dawn Lott.
Our new Judges Panel this year included the Rev. Dr. Henry Ficklin (Macon-Bibb Executive Director of Community Affairs), Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Judy Gordon, and Deputy LaWonda Plummer. This panel sampled and declared 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners, while attendees voted and awarded the People’s Choice Award.
The First Place winner this year was Tamekia Barber, owner of Mekia’s Keto and More Kitchen in Bonaire, Georgia, where she offers healthy alternatives to processed foods. Her winning dish was Spaghetti Squash casserole and Garlic Butter muffins, a delicious alternative to beef.
Second Place went to The Wonder Twinzz Latrica Gittens and Felicia Kim, with their SOUTHERN Spaghetti – delicious! In fact, the Twinzz also won the People’s Choice Award and were able to take home double the cash prizes, kitchen gifts and trophies.
Charise Stephens-Merriweather and husband Alex took home the Third Place Award and prizes, with their delicious Salmon-Infused Rice with Shrimp, a culinary delight of rice and seafood.
Attendees also experienced delights from our remaining chefs as well, including Jollof Rice (Dr. Anayo Umerah); Pineapple Upside Down Cake (Commissioner Brendalyn Bailey and granddaughter Alonah); and Lasagna (DA Anita Howard and staff). YouthUp is deeply grateful to all of our chefs this – as always, the food was amazing.
