Denver Food and Wine Festival Takes Denver by Storm

The 2024 Denver Food and Wine Festival is just around the corner!

This is just one of the annual fundraising events that celebrate Colorado’s culinary heroes and ensure the ongoing success and growth of Denver’s ever-expanding culinary scene.

With countless options for every palate, it’s easy to get caught up in the food and forget about the incredible people behind the scenes—the chefs, hostesses, dishwashers, runners, bussers, servers, and more who make our dining experiences truly special.

The Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA) and the Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF) work tirelessly to support these vital individuals in the restaurant industry.

Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA): The Heartbeat of Colorado’s Food Scene

Since 1933, the Colorado Restaurant Association has been the driving force behind Colorado’s vibrant food landscape.

Whether you’re managing a cozy café or running a bustling kitchen, the CRA is here to support you every step of the way.

With over 13,000 dining spots and 303,000 dedicated employees across the state, the CRA offers education, guidance, and a passionate community that shares your love for food.

Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF): Investing in the Future of Hospitality

Established in 1987 as the charitable arm of the CRA, the Colorado Restaurant Foundation is dedicated to helping restaurant professionals thrive in this dynamic industry.

From your first day on the job to the peak of your career, the CRF is there to support your journey.

Through programs like Colorado ProStart®, apprenticeships, and ServSafe®, the CRF equips you with the skills and confidence needed to succeed. Discover more about how you can contribute at corestaurant.org/foundation.

Angel Relief Fund: A Safety Net for Tough Times

Life in the restaurant industry can be unpredictable, but the Colorado Restaurant Foundation’s Angel Relief Fund is there to help when times get tough—whether it’s due to illness, injury, or natural disaster.

Although high demand has temporarily paused new grants, ARF is committed to resuming support as soon as possible.

In the meantime, resources like the CRA Mile High Chapter Hardship Fund and the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program (BEAP) are available to provide a helping hand.

For those in need of mental health support, industry employees can reach out to Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 or text 38225. Additionally, organizations like Khesed Wellness, CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach & Wellness), and In the Weeds are ready to offer the care and support you deserve.

Drink Red Wear Red Gala: A Celebration with a Cause

Each year, the Colorado Restaurant Foundation hosts a series of events to raise funds for their programs, and one of the most anticipated is the Drink Red Wear Red gala.

Held on May 30 at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, this vibrant event celebrated the local hospitality industry with an evening of culinary delights from Denver’s top chefs, exquisite wines, craft cocktails, and a lively auction filled with food-themed items.

Set against a backdrop of live music, this gala is more than just a party—It’s a cornerstone fundraiser that supports Colorado restaurant employees through training, scholarships, and emergency assistance.

The money raised at Drink Red Wear Red benefits the CRF and the CRA Mile High Chapter Hardship Fund, both providing essential emergency assistance to industry workers. If you missed it this year, be sure to join the festivities at next year’s Drink Red Wear Red!

Denver Food and Wine Festival: The Ultimate Culinary Experience

If you think the gala is exciting, just wait for the Denver Food and Wine Festival—the CRF’s largest and most renowned annual fundraiser.

This event truly has something for everyone, from a Riedel Wine Glass Seminar and the Shake and Bake Showdown to a Dine Out Auction Series and the pièce de résistance, the Grand Tasting event.

This year’s Dine Out Culinary Auction Series features over 20 events, with some happening on Friday, September 6, and others scheduled at the winner’s convenience. The offerings range from chef-counter dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants to group trips to Tuscany and even an overnight railroad experience with Broncos tickets.

The auction closes on August 27, with all proceeds supporting Colorado restaurant workers.

The Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 7, will spotlight Colorado Top Chef alumni, including Brother Luck, Hosea Rosenberg, Byron Gomez, Manny Barella, and Carrie Baird. Each chef will be paired with a Colorado ProStart® high school, giving students the unique opportunity to learn from these culinary stars and serve alongside them.

Expect music, games, and a feast for the senses with food and wine that will delight even the most discerning palates. This annual event is a true showstopper and a celebration of the best in Colorado’s culinary scene. So, grab your tickets, my beautiful friends, and I’ll see you at the party!

Photos courtesy of the Colorado Restaurant Association