SchoolPower’s Lumberyard Chef Challenge V, a competition that pits Laguna’s principals against each other, packed the house on Monday night to raise money for the public schools.

The rematch was a barnburner, with the team of elementary school principals Chris Duddy and Ron LaMotte triumphing over last year’s champions, LBHS Principal Joanne Culverhouse and Thurston Principal Jenny Salberg.

Diners enjoyed two meals and then cast votes on their favorite appetizer, entrée and dessert, each selected by the dueling teams. The selection strategy will likely remain shrouded in secrecy. “What happens in the Lumberyard kitchen, stays in the Lumberyard kitchen,” said Culverhouse. The Duddy/LaMotte finale of butterscotch budino likely cemented their win, according to the final tally. However, Duddy credited his team victory to pure strategy.

The event, which brought in about $9,000, has netted $49,138 in the last five years, thanks to the generosity and hospitality of Lumberyard owners Cary and Suzanne Redfearn.

Cary Redfearn said that hosting SchoolPower’s Chef Challenge is their way of giving back. “Truthfully, I can’t think of a better way to say thank you to the schools for preparing our children so well,” he said.