Nearly 50 restaurants will set up on the lawns of Newport Beach Country Club on Thursday, July 16, for the 6th annual Festival of Chefs, a fundraiser that has generated $5 million for Santa Ana nonprofit KidWorks over its first five years.

The event runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Host chefs Aric Mattson and Victor Soto of Newport Beach Country Club lead the lineup, which draws heavily from local kitchens. Newport Beach participants include Cannery Seafood of the Pacific (chef Kevin Jones), Pendry Newport Beach (chef Ben Martinek), VEA Newport Beach (chef Adam Haverland), and Bluewater Grill (chefs Roberto Navarro and Valentin Salas), among others.

Last year's event alone raised more than $900,000, according to the Los Angeles Times. KidWorks CEO David Benavides has called the festival the organization's signature fundraiser.

Founded more than 30 years ago, KidWorks provides academic and leadership programs for children in central Santa Ana, making an 18-year commitment to each student from pre-K through a bachelor's degree. The nonprofit operates from one main center and three satellite locations.

The evening includes a presentation by KidWorks followed by dancing to the Tijuana Dogs. Tickets are available at kidworksoc.org/chefs.

Two more food events scheduled in Newport Beach this fall

Pacific Wine & Food Classic returns Saturday, September 12, at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Producer and owner Tricia Cook, who has been with the event since its launch, is adding two new features: The Bubble Garden, a waterfront sparkling-beverage lounge, and the Paso Robles Grand Wine Experience. The festival brings together more than 35 restaurants and over 100 wines. Tickets range from $179 to $500 and are available at pacificwineandfood.com.

RELISH: An Immersive Culinary & Lifestyle Experience returns for its second year Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4, at VEA Newport Beach and Park Club Costa Mesa. Created by celebrity chef Jamie Gwen and event planner Nicole Hirsty of Cobalt Events, the weekend features chefs Geoffrey Zakarian, Scott Conant, Sherry Yard, and Katie Chin. Events range from an opening night cocktail party and grand tasting at VEA to a private knife class with Wolfe Cutlery and a cheese-and-wine session led by Maitre Fromager Afrim Pristine. Tickets are available at relishfoodwine.com.