Bianca Rae and Laura Yanez support local charities in “Desert News Cookie Challenge”
Some of our news team is putting on the apron for a good cause. You may have heard of the La Quinta High School Culinary Arts Department having monthly Blackhawk Culinary Showdowns between professional chefs, but now it’s a battle of the journalists!
CBS Local 2’s Bianca Rae and Laura Yanez square off in the La Quinta High School Culinary Arts Desert News Cookie Challenge next Wednesday, December 10th. Each is paired with a professional chef. Laura is working with Scott Robertson, Executive Chef and owner of New Leaf Catering. Bianca is teamed up with Michael Vaughn, Executive Sous Chef for La Quinta Resort. The chefs – and La Quinta High School Culinary students – will make each lady’s favorite holiday meal – and cookie! The audience votes.
“The showdown brings in local celebrities and chefs and students in this beautiful facility and we are able to share our favorite meals,” Laura said.
“Something that is important to both Laura and I is using our platform to inspire people to give and donate and we are blessed to have this fun way to spread the message about some well deserving non-profits,” Bianca said.
One hundred percent of proceeds will go to the charity of Laura and Bianca’s choice. Laura chose to benefit Relay for Life of Cathedral City and Bianca chose for the money to go to the Bianca Rae Foundation’s 2nd Annual “Rae of Hope” Leadership Retreat for middle school girls next fall.
“This is what the holidays are about getting people together, share my favorite emails and showcase the students and give back to the community,” Laura said.
“I’m Greek and Italian so family and food has always gone hand in hand. Sitting around the table especially around Christmas is so Holiday-esque it’s Christmas and family and that’s a beautiful thing around the holidays,” Bianca said.
Sixty percent of proceeds goes to the winner’s charity – 40% to the the charity of whoever comes in 2nd. A win win for everyone!
For tickets, go to https://blackhawkshowdowndesertnewschallenge.eventbrite.com.
