File PhotoAshley Lemmerman pours shots for the Children’s Advocacy Center’s 2017 Cook and Care mixology competition. Lemmerman will compete again in the 2018 competition, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 22, at the Valdosta Country Club. 

VALDOSTA — Chefs will soon solve the riddle of mystery baskets in a competition that will mimic Food Network’s “Chopped.” 

The Sixth Annual Cook and Care is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Oct. 22, at the Valdosta Country Club. Proceeds will benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center.

With ingredients unknown to the chefs until competition time, an appetizer, entree and dessert must all be created for judging, said Ashley Lindsay, CAC executive director.

Simultaneously, mixologists from Jack’s Chophouse, Steel Magnolias and Holiday Inn will face one another in a war of drinks.

Chef contestants are from Steel Magnolias, Birdie’s Market and Catering and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.

“They love it,” she said. “It’s something different for our area, and they really enjoy doing it and meeting our guest judges.”

Awards will be given to the contest’s overall winner, top winner of the culinary battle and top winner of the mixology clash.

All plates will be auctioned to guests following judging, and there will be a silent auction. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.

“The fundraiser, it helps keep the doors open; it helps to make sure that services are provided free of charge to our clients and families,” Lindsay said.

Funding will help with therapy services, forensic services and supporting families, she said.

Ashley Lemmerman, part-time mixologist for Jack’s Chophouse, has participated in Cook and Care for three years. She was an assistant the first year and has moved up the ranks to main competitor.

Lemmerman jokingly said she can’t 100 percent recall where she has placed in previous years but has a master plan for the 2018 Cook and Care.

“This year, I do plan on doing something different,” she said. “I plan on winning.”

Her assistant will be Nikki Headrick, a University of West Georgia student and part-time bartender for Jack’s Chophouse.

Lemmerman said she believes there could never be enough awareness or money raised for the children helped by CAC. She said the CAC’s mission is one that touches her heart.

“The Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County is a community resource center created to minimize the trauma of child victims of abuse,” she said. “I am grateful to be a part of something that helps our community’s most innocent victims.”

Sponsorships are available until Oct. 15. There are $200, $500 and $1,000 levels. Businesses will be advertised with publicity material and sponsors get logo recognition, Lindsay said.

Tickets for Cook and Care are $25 and can be purchased by calling (229) 245-5364 or by visiting eventbrite.com. 

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.