The Orcas Island Education Foundation invites you to the Third Annual Grilled Cheese Showdown. It promises to be our most cheese-tastic showdown ever!

This family-friendly fundraiser starts at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12in the public school cafeteria. Your admittance entitles you to soup and grilled cheese sandwich tastings. There will also be a bake sale. And, YOU get to vote for the winning sandwich.

The talented chefs of this event are Jay Blackinton (Hogstone/Aelder); Cheryl Helm (Catkin Café); Audra Lawlor (Girl Meets Dirt); Kate Long (parent and fantastic chef); Shawna Hanan (Luna’s Café and Three Sisters Bakery); and Jonathon Chappelle (Voyager Sandwiches & Seafood).

When asked what makes grilled cheese so appealing, Chef Blackinton said, “The love of grilled cheese transcends all ages and represents most of what we all love about comfort food. Crunchy, salty, gooey and delicious. It’s also a measuring stick for the competence and dedication of any cook.” We couldn’t agree more!

Obviously, each chef will bring his/her creativity and talent to bread, cheese, and a griddle, but only one will walk home a winner.

Join us for what will be a tasty fundraiser. All proceeds benefit the Orcas Island Education Foundation, whose mission is to support our public schools. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce, the High School and online at oief.org/events. Suggested donation is $15 for adults and kids over 13; $5 for kids under 13. Some limited tickets will be available at the door.