Laguna Beach’s four principals served up a fun-filled night of fantastic food and friendly competition at SchoolPower’s Lumberyard Chef Challenge IV February 4. The dueling-menu fundraiser netted over $10,500 as the team of LBHS Principal Joanne Culverhouse and Thurston Middle School Principal Jenny Salberg narrowly defeated the team of El Morro Principal Chris Duddy and Top of the World Principal Ron LaMotte.

The sold-out event gave 150 school supporters the opportunity to indulge in and then cast votes for their favorite of two competing meals selected by the dueling principal teams and masterfully prepared by Lumberyard Chef Armando Ortega. The team format was a new twist this year, giving the elementary principals a chance to get in on the lively competition.

“Mr. Duddy and Mr. LaMotte are worthy opponents, pushing Dr. Culverhouse and me to compete at the highest level,” said Salberg, adding thanks to the Lumberyard owners and SchoolPower for helping to elevate local education. “These amazing opportunities allow our schools to compete at the highest academic level with incredible opportunities to excel well beyond the classroom!”

After the winning pair was crowned with embroidered chef’s hats proclaiming them the 2013 champs, they ran a victory lap around the restaurant high-fiving the appreciative diners. The perks of coming out on top will continue for Culverhouse and Salberg as Duddy and LaMotte will be their “personal assistants” for a day. The losing team received a pack of pens, a notebook and a clipboard in preparation for the job.

“Jenny Salberg, Ron LaMotte, Chris Duddy and I have been colleagues for 14 years and we continue to experience a collaborative working relationship and friendship,” said Culverhouse. “The Chef Challenge is just another example of how much fun we have together. Thank you School Power and the Lumberyard!”

More than $40,000 has been raised for Laguna Beach schools over the course of the four Chef Challenges thanks to the generosity and hospitality of Lumberyard owners Cary and Suzanne Redfearn. “The Redfearns have made the Lumberyard into a true community meeting place,” noted SchoolPower Business Alliance VP Mike Austin. “Their continued support of Laguna Beach schools is exceptional and a model for the many local businesses partnering with our organization.”