Editor’s Note: Every article in the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper archive represents a chapter in an ongoing conversation about our communities, our culture, and our collective future. We want to thank our dedicated Community Journalist Paul Junor for continuing to tap into everything that makes our community great.
The United Achievers’ Club (UAC) once again demonstrated the power of community, generosity, and volunteerism during its 27th Annual Celebrity Chefs Battle of the Sexes fundraiser. Held at Century Gardens Recreation Centre, the event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd of supporters from Brampton and surrounding communities, reinforcing its reputation as one of the city’s most anticipated annual charitable events.
Community leaders, elected officials, volunteers, sponsors, and guests gathered to celebrate great food while supporting a cause that has transformed lives through the UAC Scholarship Program. The evening also highlighted the organization’s longstanding commitment to community service and youth development.
Among those in attendance were Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Councillors Rod Power, Michael Palleschi, and Rowena Santos, as well as Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament, including Garnett Manning and Candace Carter. Representatives from numerous community organizations were also present, including the Kiwanis Club of Brampton, Congress of Black Women of Canada (Mississauga and Brampton Chapters), the Malton Black Development Association, The Olive Branch of Hope, Peel Crime Stoppers, the Peel District School Board, and Peel Regional Police.
Serving as master of ceremonies, Charles Matthews Jr. of CMJ Entertainment kept the audience engaged with energy, humour, and professionalism. DJ “MR” AL provided music throughout the evening, creating a lively atmosphere that complemented the culinary competition and ensured the program flowed seamlessly.
During his remarks, Mayor Brown praised the United Achievers’ Club for its decades of community leadership and charitable service, telling the audience, “The UAC is a gift to Canada and a gift to Brampton.”
The evening also recognized the organization’s enduring commitment to health care. In a letter shared by UAC Event Advisor and Committee Member Marjorie Taylor, William Osler Health System Foundation Interim President and CEO Shelagh Barry expressed her regrets at being unable to attend while acknowledging the club’s two decades of support for the Osler Pediatric Sickle Cell Clinic.
Barry wrote, “Twenty years of commitment is no small milestone. It reflects a deep and abiding belief in caring for children and families in your community, with compassion, consistency and heart. Every single day.”
The celebrity judging panel included: Althea Cooke, Hon. Justice Dr. Irving Andre, Staff Sgt. Kamor Balogun, Ann Christian-Brown, Yvonne Clarke, Charles Estridge, Chris Hunter, Bain Thompson, and Dr. Matthew Weekes.
Competition was fierce across four culinary categories. Nicholas Stennett earned first place in Appetizers with his Jerk Chicken Samosa. Courtney Guy captured first place in Soups and Salads with a Cauliflower Purée and Roasted Sweet Potato Salad before winning the Entrées category with Stuffed Seafood Salmon on Pumpkin and Champagne Herb Sauce. Dale Williams claimed top honours in Desserts with Sex in a Pan.
When the final results were announced by judging coordinator Althea Cooke, Courtney Guy emerged as both the People’s Choice Winner and the coveted Celebrity Chef of the Year.
Beyond celebrating culinary talent, the fundraiser serves a greater purpose. Proceeds help fund the United Achievers’ Club Scholarship Program, which has supported countless students pursuing post-secondary education. This year’s event also reflected that mission, with educator Paul Deacon and University of Guelph graduate Akeem Knowles participating as chef and assistant chef, demonstrating how former scholarship recipients and community leaders continue to give back.
As another successful fundraiser concluded, the evening reaffirmed why the Celebrity Chefs competition has become one of Brampton’s signature community events. More than a cooking competition, it brings together residents, businesses, volunteers, and civic leaders to celebrate culture, strengthen community relationships, and invest in the next generation.
The United Achievers’ Club expressed its sincere appreciation to every participating chef, volunteer, donor, attendee, sponsor, and the staff of Century Gardens Recreation Centre for helping make the evening a memorable success.
The organization now looks ahead to its 42nd Annual Scholarship and Recognition Dinner and Dance, scheduled for Saturday, August 29th, 2026, where it will continue its mission of recognizing achievement, supporting education, and strengthening the community.
Stay in the loop with exclusive news, stories, and insights—delivered straight to your inbox. No fluff, just real content that matters. Sign up today!
