Chef John Currence is proud to announce the line up for the second annual “Light In April” fundraiser for his foundation, Move On Up, Mississippi. Established in 2015, Move On Up aims to “inspire and fund educational youth initiatives focused on health, well-being, and physical activity.” Through community service, they hope to drive awareness of problems and solutions, develop effective tools and programs, and recognize and support change agents to realize a healthier future for Mississippi children.
“We will be making two community grants on the Friday night of Light In April,” said Currence. Recipients of the grants have yet to be determined, but the foundation wants “to identify an entry point in the Oxford/Lafayette community where [their] funding can make the most significant impact on nutrition, education, or support of childhood activity programs.”
This year, Light In April will open its doors wider to the public. On Friday, April 7 at the Pavilion, a ticketed Friday night supper will feature a dozen top chefs from across the state. The theme, “Mexissippi,” celebrates the Mexican-American men and women without whom we could not operate. “These folks work tirelessly in our kitchens and dining rooms, rarely getting credit for the unbelievable work they do. They are the heartbeat of our industry,” says Currence. Each chef will prepare a tasting portion of a Latin-inspired dish for the event.
Currence promises that the menu for Friday night’s supper will be on par with “an event you might expect to see somewhere like New York or San Francisco.”
A live Mariachi band and several themed cocktails will round out the evening’s motif. Tickets for Friday night’s supper are $55 and can be purchased online via Eventbrite.
Saturday morning beginning at 8:30 in the Big Bad Breakfast parking lot, the public is invited to put on their running shoes and compete for the title of “Big Cheese” and “Big Cheesette” in the Breakfast of Champions 5K Race. A Superhero Fun Run will take place for kids 12 and under. Immediately following the race, Big Bad Breakfast will serve breakfast burritos, coffee, and hot chocolate. Yalobusha Brewing will pour Snopes Family Pilsner for adults while kids take advantage of the bounce house and family play area. Registration for the 5k is $35 and includes a T-shirt, breakfast, and beer. The kids’ fun run costs $5 and includes a race-themed water bottle, breakfast, and entry to the on-site bounce house.
Chef Currence says he will participate in the race, which should be significantly easier than the Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Half-Marathon he ran this February. “My pal Kelly English and I went on a solidarity weight loss program,” said Currence. “Mac Nichols challenged me to run the race with him. I had fun, but at 52, it hurt FOR REAL after it was over.”
Saturday evening, chefs will cook private dinner parties in Oxford homes. These intimate dinners will seat from 12 to 24 guests. Guests will be able to buy tickets for specific chef dinners for $300. Each ticket includes a four- to six-course meal in a private residence with wine pairing. Dinner reservations may be made by calling 662-234-9397.
All proceeds from the weekend will benefit Move On Up Mississippi, which drives a healthier future for the children of Mississippi. You can purchase Friday night dinner tickets here. 
