Plates for a Purpose is a special benefit dinner hosted by Kevin Green Elevates, featuring Chef Drew McDonald of The Plaid Apron and the talented culinary arts & hospitality management students of Pellissippi State.

📅 Tuesday, October 21, 2025
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 The Plaid Apron, Knoxville, TN
🎟 $125 per person – Reservations via Plaid Apron RESY
🍽 100% of proceeds support Pellissippi State’s Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management program

Event Info & Booking: https://www.pstcc.edu/foundation/plates-for-a-purpose/

The Experience:
Guests will enjoy a seasonally inspired 4-course menu crafted with the finest local ingredients, perfectly paired wines, and the warm hospitality of The Plaid Apron — all while directly investing in the future of Knoxville’s culinary workforce.

The Story Behind the Dinner:
This collaboration was sparked over brunch when Kevin Green and Chef Drew McDonald reconnected over shared history — both are Lipscomb University alumni and former chefs at Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel. Their conversation turned to the ongoing challenges of attracting and training skilled talent in the culinary field.

Kevin, who previously launched and taught in a high school culinary program for five years, brought in Chef Joseph Blauvelt of Pellissippi State to join the mission. Together, they created Plates for a Purpose — a way to strengthen the local economy, highlight the next generation of chefs, and shine a light on the importance of culinary education.

Media Angles:

• Community Impact: Supporting local education and the culinary workforce.
• Human Interest: Student testimonial during the event about the program’s life-changing impact.
• Local Flavor: Knoxville’s chef community joining forces for a cause.
• Economic Development: Strengthening local restaurants and workforce readiness.