The California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF) will host the inaugural “Culinary Clash: Battle Anaheim” event in conjunction with the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo (WFHE) at 3 p.m. this Sunday at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the foundation in its mission to support thousands of youth across California who are interested in pursuing education and careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

The exciting event teams executives and corporate chefs together with talented high school students from ProStart programs at Newport Harbor High School, as well as Santee Education Complex in Los Angeles and Mira Mesa High School in San Diego. All events are open to the registered attendees of WFHE and media.

Teams will have just 45 minutes to prepare an amuse bouche and entrée using two butane burners. Points will be awarded on overall taste and presentation, as well as creative usage of a Coca-Cola product, proper safety, and sanitation, as well as fundraising for the foundation.

Industry veteran Ferdinand Metz and restaurateur and “Top Chef” contestant Betty Fraser will serve as judges.

Competing teams include BJ’s Restaurants (Huntington Beach), Cohn Restaurant Group (San Diego), Daily Grill (Los Angeles), Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (Newport Beach), Lawry’s Restaurants (Pasadena), Maria’s Italian Kitchen (Los Angeles), Roy’s Restaurants (Newport Beach), Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Irvine), and Yard House Restaurants (Irvine).

The CRAEF has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships and grants since its inception in 1981. CRAEF works to enhance education and training programs within the hospitality industry.

ProStart is a two-year program designed to prepare high school juniors and seniors for exciting careers in foodservice.