Chefs Collaborative on Ossabaw Island

Giving Kitchen supporters gather on Ossabaw Island – April 2024

Giving Kitchen supporters all joined together to explore Ossabaw Island for our Team Hidi 2024 Auction Lot Redemption — Where our Giving Kitchen hosts and guests spent a few nights on a pristine barrier island with a team of talented naturalists, chefs, bartenders, artists, and musicians come together to make a tremendous impact on Giving Kitchen’s mission of helping food service workers.

Located just south of Savannah, Ossabaw Island is beautiful beyond description and only available to visit by invitation. Our crew took in picture-perfect sunrises, toured historic ruins, explored the protected barrier island, and enjoyed the marsh view from the front porch rocking chairs.

Our island guide: Georgia’s greatest living naturalist and former GBP- TV host, Cathy Sakas.

Collaborative by nature, the food experience on Ossabaw Island is a culinary tour de force.

Food and beverage pairings highlighted the history and culture of Georgia’s coast; from historic rum punches of 1800s Savannah to the historic foodway cultures of Ossabaw Island.

Thank you to our Team Hidi Ossabaw Island Chefs and Volunteers

Culinary 
Todd Mussman
Terry Koval
Hector Santiago
Mike Sheats
Seth Herman (F&B)
Chris (Chino) Hathcock
Brian Wolfe
Sam Herndon

Beverage 
Paul Vaughn
Melissa Davis
Matt Watkins
John Wayne Kendrick

Volunteers 
Cathy Sakas
Raven Waters
Janissa Ray
Tedo Stone
Jay Gulley
Sophie Morgan
Bryan Schroeder

Giving Kitchen Staff 
Rebecca Wagner 
Jen Hidinger-Kendrick




Together, We are Giving Kitchen. We help food service workers.

With our donor’s support, food service workers, their children, and family members don’t have to worry about keeping a roof overhead, the water running at home, or whether or not they have to skip a meal in order to pay a utility bill.

What to experience a culinary one-of-a-kind auction lot trip like this to Ossabaw Island?

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Are you a Chef looking for a unique way to support our industry?

Consider donating your talents to Giving Kitchen future auction lots and intimate donor events. Email our michele.kresge@thegivingkitchen.org to connect on fundraising and sponsorships.