34th Annual Chefs Food Fest raises record $31,000 for River Fund

LAUGHLIN — The 34th Annual Chefs Food Fest, held on June 6, 2024, at the Aquarius Casino Resort in Laughlin, Nevada, raised a record-breaking $31,000 for River Fund, Inc., a nonprofit organization serving the Tri-State Region. The event, which attracted 580 attendees, surpassed its previous fundraising record of $30,050 set in 2019.
River Fund, Inc., the beneficiary of this successful fundraiser, has a mission to assist local communities with programs and services that result in positive outcomes from unexpected hardships. The organization serves a wide area, including Bullhead City, Ft. Mohave, Golden Shores, Golden Valley, Laughlin, Mohave Valley, Needles, and Topock.
Carrie Isaac Larson, Executive Director of the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce, expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “The Laughlin Chamber would like to thank everyone who showed up, ate, bid, and bought raffle tickets at the 34th Annual Chefs Food Fest,” she said.
The festival featured Western-themed menus and décor, following the “Flavors of the Lonestar State” theme. Participating chefs were challenged to incorporate Dr. Pepper as a secret ingredient in their culinary creations, adding an extra layer of creativity to the event.
Several local establishments received recognition for their contributions. Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino won the People’s Choice Award for best food, while The New Pioneer secured the best cocktail award. Harrah’s Laughlin Beach Resort and Casino and Tropicana Laughlin were recognized for the best use of the secret ingredient. Aquarius and Edgewater Casino Resorts took home awards for both best booth décor and best dessert.
The fundraising total included $15,000 guaranteed by the Laughlin Chamber and an additional $16,000 from silent and live auctions and raffles. The event featured 38 auction items, ranging from dining experiences to home décor.
Mike Conner, President and CEO of River Fund, Inc., praised the collaborative efforts that made the event a success. “I cannot come close to thanking the many people who worked tirelessly to plan, prepare, and help execute the plan of action which led to River Fund receiving $31,000,” he said.
River Fund has a significant impact on the community. Since its inception in 2010, the organization has provided over $3.7 million in emergency assistance to more than 80,000 individuals. The funds raised at the Chefs Food Fest will support River Fund’s ongoing efforts to address various needs in the community, including utility assistance, rent, food, temporary shelter, and medical needs.
The organization has been recognized for its community service, receiving the Spirit of the Colorado River award in 2017 and being named Community Service Organization of the Year in 2012. River Fund also manages the Caesars Laughlin Community Social Services Fund, further extending its impact in the region.
In addition to events like the Chefs Food Fest, River Fund benefits from other fundraising initiatives. The organization recently held its annual Great Duck Pluck event in 2024 and is already planning for another “ducky event” in 2025. River Fund also participates in the Arizona Tax Credit program, allowing Arizona residents to direct their tax dollars to support the organization’s mission.
River Fund maintains offices in both Bullhead City, Arizona, and Laughlin, Nevada, to better serve the Tri-State region. Those interested in supporting River Fund’s mission can make donations through their website, become regular donors, or participate in various fundraising events throughout the year.
Plans are already underway for the 35th Annual Chefs Food Fest in 2025, with organizers aiming to build on this year’s success. For more information about River Fund or to make a contribution, individuals can visit the organization’s website at riverfundinc.com or contact their offices in Laughlin and Bullhead City.
— Jeremy Webb