The Tucson Family Food Project Presents: The Fresh Start Gala
Tanque Verde Ranch - The Barn
14301 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85748
3:00pm - 9:00pm
The Fresh Start Gala — Tucson's biggest night for fighting childhood hunger
Four of our city's most iconic culinary personalities are ready to make a sacrifice: shave off their signature beards, live on stage, the moment our community hits $500,000 raised for The Tucson Family Food Project.
A beard is comfort, identity, familiarity — shaving it off is a public, visible act of renewal. And that's exactly what we're fighting for: a fresh start for every kid and family facing food insecurity in Tucson.
Between now and January 30, 2027 — Fresh Start Day — you can join the challenge, fundraise with your friends and followers, nominate others to jump in, and watch it all culminate in one unforgettable night. Because when Tucson comes together, we don't just raise money. We raise hope.
JOIN THE FRESH START CHALLENGE!
How it Works
1) Register — Sign up as an individual or start a team. Set your own fundraising goal.
2) Rally — Share your personal fundraising page everywhere. Every gift, big or small, moves you closer.
3) Make the Cut — Hit your goal, then film your shave or your 10-inch cut on January 30, 2027 — Fresh Start Day — and post it for the world to see.
Meet Our Participants
Chef Christian Padilla
Chef Christian Padilla shows his love for Tucson in every plate he serves. Now he's showing it in a whole new way: by putting his signature beard on the line to help feed Tucson's kids. If we reach $500,000, Chef Padilla will shave it off live on stage at the Fresh Start Gala, and every dollar you give helps local families get the fresh start they deserve.
Don Guerra
For years, Don Guerra has fed Tucson with bread made from the grains of our own desert. Now he's putting his trademark goatee on the line to help feed Tucson's kids. If we reach $500,000, Don will shave it off live on stage at the Fresh Start Gala, and every dollar you give helps local families get the fresh start they deserve!
Ben Forbes
Ben Forbes has built Forbes Meat Co. on quality, care and connection to the people who feed our community. Now he's putting his signature beard on the line to help feed Tucson's kids. If we reach $500,000, Ben will shave it off live on stage at the Fresh Start Gala, and every dollar you give helps local families get the fresh start they deserve.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Be part of the night Tucson won't stop talking about.
Fresh Start Gala brings together beloved local chefs, a bold live shave-off, and a community-wide push to raise $500,000 for kids and families facing food insecurity. Sponsors don't just support the cause — they're woven into the story, with recognition ranging from our Founders Wall all the way up to exclusive naming rights over the evening's most unforgettable moments. Explore the tiers below and find the spot that's right for your business.