Chow’s Table and House of Cards set to host fundraiser for Yallingup Rural Bushfire Brigade

A who’s who of the Capes culinary scene is coming together for a worthy cause.

A lavish gourmet dinner at Yallingup’s Chow’s Table next weekend will help their local bush fire brigade get over the line with funds needed for a long-overdue upgrade to the base of operations.

About $30,000 would be sought from the dinner, with all funds raised going to the Yallingup Rural Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.

For many of the participants in the August 3 event, the matter is personal, as Chow’s Table spokeswoman Eloise Williams told the Times.

“Chow’s Table, along with the lives, homes, habitats and many other businesses in the region, has been saved multiple times by the efforts of the volunteer firefighters and emergency services,” she said.

“Our business in particular has been evacuated three times . . . and the efforts from these volunteer firefighters have played a pivotal part in ensuring us and others were protected.”

A Yallingup benefactor has already kickstarted the fundraising with a generous donation and when hospitality operators heard about the brigade’s shortfall, there was no hesitation in jumping in to help.

House of Cards winery partnered with Chow’s Table for the dinner but many producers have donated food and drinks for the night or will be rolling up their sleeves and working in the kitchen.

Big names include chefs and producers From Lagoon Yallingup, Vasse Felix, Wills Domain, Glenarty Road, Yarri, Caves House Hotel, Amelia Park Restaurant, Supper Road, Cape Lodge, Maison Lassiaille, Burgertron and Jibbas Hot Sauce.

Meanwhile, the drinks will flow courtesy of Eagle Bay Brewing, Wildhop, Cape Naturaliste Wines and Aravina Estate, among others.

Ms Williams said the fundraiser was a chance for those who had benefited from the brigade’s efforts to give something back.

“We hope to help raise the remaining funds needed to complete the Yallingup Rural Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade with the new headquarters so they are able to continue to save the threat against lives and homes in the future years,” she told the Times.

“Any funds raised over the amount they require to finish the build will be donated to other brigades in the region.”

Brigade chairman Peter Campbell said he always knew the community would rally to support their local brigade, but he was astonished by the strength of the response.

The brigade’s shed project started after one local benefactor tipped in $100,000 to get the ball rolling.

Mr Campbell said that strong base led to discussions with the City of Busselton and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services on how to best harness the funds.

“The shed is past its operational, functional best,” he told the Times.

“By the time we’re finished the project, it won’t much look like the old place.

A DFES grant was pending and the city had weighed in with logistic and planning support for the $400,000 project.

However, Mr Campbell said brigade members offered their sincere thanks to the community businesses and other helpers who had jumped on board to get the project across the line.

Next Saturday’s event starts at 6pm and will feature entertainment by local musicians and DJs, with Brayden Sibbald, DJ Many B, Simo and Edlin, and Olive Mae all taking on duties for the night.

For tickets, visit www.chowstable.com.au/whats-on/2024/6/23/to-the-rescue.