(WACO, TEXAS, February 21, 2023)- The 18 th annual H.E.B. Celebrity Cookoff was a record-setting success, raising just over $170,000 for Waco ISD classrooms. This is the most ever raised in the event’s 18-year history. 

The Waco ISD Education Foundation event hosted 32 “celebrity” chef teams representing businesses and organizations from across the Waco and Central Texas area. Attendees enjoyed the fun competitive atmosphere, sampling fantastic dishes that included appetizers, a main course, and dessert.

“We are beyond thrilled with the amount of money we were able to raise from the H.E.B. Celebrity Cookoff. We could not have done it without the hard work of our outstanding committee members and would like to thank all of our partners and chefs who generously gave of their time and resources to help make this event a success,” said Waco ISD Education Foundation Chair Taylor Bledsoe. “It is exciting to watch the community at large give so generously to help support our teachers and students.”

Every penny of the funds raised will go directly to the foundation and back into Waco ISD classrooms to support and fund grants for teachers.

“I am overjoyed at what these funds represent for our Waco ISD classrooms. Our teachers and kids deserve the fun, innovative learning experiences that will be now possible,” said Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Kincannon. “It means so much to see the community and foundation show up in such a big way for Waco ISD.”

This record-setting year is a fitting finale for Bruce Gietzen who will be stepping down as Co-Chair of the H.E.B Celebrity Cookoff after 18 years of service. Gietzen’s leadership and dedication to this event has helped the Waco ISD Education Foundation raise over $1.67 million dollars through the years.

For additional photos, please visit https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAs1MZ.