Stirring Up Support

The Culinary Classic is a foodie’s dream come true! 

Enjoy tasting dishes and drinks from more than 30 of Denver’s best restaurants, breweries, and winemakers as you stroll through the Food Innovation Center at the Mosaic Community Campus in Denver’s historic Park Hill neighborhood.

All proceeds from The Culinary Classic benefit Work Options, a Denver-based nonprofit that has been providing free culinary job training and support to under-resourced Coloradans for over 25 years. Sip, savor, and support the future of Colorado’s culinary workforce!

The Culinary Classic returns in May 2025!

Sign up for our mailing list to get the latest updates.

 

Date: TBD – May 2025

Location: TBD

Address: TBD

Dress: Comfortable Business Casual

Note: This is a tented indoor/outdoor event 

 

2023 VIP Happy Hour

 

featuring Top Chef Masters Finalist & James Beard Award winner
Chef Jennifer Jasinski

2023 Food & Beverage Participants

 

Small plates & samples from:

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YUAN WONTON

Are you a Chef who's interested in participating?
Email: info@workoptions.org

Culinary Participants

Name Here, Restaurant Name

Brief bio/comment about the person and the restaurant.

Beverage Participants

Name Here, Restaurant Name

Brief bio/comment about the person and the restaurant.

Thank You to Our 2023 Sponors

 

PRESENTING SPONSORS

 

MEDIA SPONSOR

 

SILVER SPONSORS

 

SPONSORS

Mile High Chapter

 

TECH SPONSOR

 

LEGACY SPONSOR

2023 Auction Items
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Julie Stone

Executive Director

She/Her

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert G. Ingersoll

Julie Stone joined Work Options in 2010 as Director of Operations and was promoted to Executive Director in 2016. She brings more than a decade of institutional knowledge and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission of using food as a force for good.

As Executive Director, Julie oversees the organization’s development strategy and financial health while guiding overall organizational vision and impact. She has an extensive background in food service management, with experience ranging from fine dining to multi unit operations, and a deep understanding of Work Options’ programming, students, and community impact. Throughout her career, Julie has specialized in training and supporting individuals with limited employable skills, helping them build pathways to stable and meaningful employment.

Prior to joining Work Options, Julie managed the Ohio Governor’s Residence, where she developed and directed an innovative inmate hospitality program. This experience helped shape her commitment to workforce development, operational excellence, and inclusive leadership.

Julie holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Colorado Boulder and is a graduate of the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University’s Greater Good Leadership Program. She also serves as a board member of the Colorado Restaurant Association and Foundation.

Julie thrives in mission driven environments where she can identify and mobilize strategic priorities to achieve both short and long term goals. She is known for building strong relationships, anticipating challenges before they arise, and translating complex ideas into clear, actionable strategies. Her leadership is grounded in strong financial management, cross functional collaboration, and a commitment to innovative, equity centered solutions.