Get ready for the North Coast’s most delicious night of giving! Iron Chef Goes Coastal returns to the Seaside Civic and Convention Center on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, bringing together more than 700 guests, talented local chefs, restaurants, dessert makers, sponsors, and community supporters for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Guests will sample incredible creations from participating restaurants and dessert competitors, vote for their People’s Choice favorites, and watch talented chefs battle live onstage in an exciting Iron Chef-style cooking competition. The evening will also feature unique raffles, games, a silent auction, and many opportunities to support organizations serving our neighbors throughout Clatsop County.
This year, United Way of Northwest Oregon has set a goal of raising $100,000 for local Clatsop County nonprofits. Participating restaurants generously donate their time, talent, and food, helping ensure that all proceeds from Iron Chef Goes Coastal directly support United Way’s local nonprofit partner agencies.
✨Supporting Our Community✨
United Way’s Clatsop County partner agencies include:
Astoria Visual Arts • Camp Kiwanilong • Clatsop Community Action • Copeland Commons • First Steps Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities • Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers • The Harbor • Libraries R.O.C.C. • North Coast Food Web • SMART Reading • Scouting of America, Warrenton Troop 509 • VOCA Healing Circle
These organizations respond to some of our community’s most important needs, including hunger, housing instability, youth development, literacy, family support, crisis intervention, accessibility and the arts.
❣️Your Support Creates Real Impact❣️
North Coast Food Web connects food-insecure community members with nutritious food grown and produced locally. With support from United Way and other donors, its Free Food Box program has distributed between 10 and 20 boxes each week since 2023. Each box contains approximately $40 worth of local produce, protein, grains and value-added products purchased from nearly 30 local farmers and producers.
One recipient shared:
“This is my first time eating every day in years. Thank you.”
Another wrote:
“It has really helped fill the gap in a restricted diet that traditional food banks often can’t help. I am so grateful.”
A third recipient said:
“It has been a really hard health year for me, and your food boxes have really supported me in getting what I need.”
Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers assists people experiencing homelessness as they work toward self-sufficiency and greater personal resiliency. Its Hope Centers provide structured support, classes and programs, many of which are led by community volunteers. The organization reports that its centers collectively serve hundreds of people each year. (Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers)
SMART Reading pairs children with volunteers for shared reading time while also providing books for children to keep and enjoy with their families. Since its founding, SMART Reading has served more than 334,000 students, distributed more than 4.9 million books and provided over 4.6 million volunteer reading hours. Nine out of 10 participating students demonstrate growth in their enjoyment of reading. (Smart Reading)
Camp Kiwanilong gives young people the opportunity to learn, grow and build an appreciation for nature through outdoor experiences. The organization operates a summer camp for Clatsop County youth, hosts educational groups and provides financial assistance—known as “Sparkyships”—to help children from lower-income households attend camp. (Camp Kiwanilong)
First Steps Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities empowers neurodivergent individuals and their families through personalized support, education and resources. Its work is designed to foster growth, inclusion, understanding and a sense of community so that each person has the opportunity to thrive. (My Site)
Astoria Visual Arts creates opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the arts. Through accessible programs, exhibitions, workshops and creative opportunities, the organization helps community members discover, engage and grow through artistic expression. (Astoria Visual Arts)
These are only a few examples of what United Way’s nonprofit partners accomplish every day. Together, they provide critical services, create opportunities and strengthen the network of care that makes Clatsop County a better place to live.
When you attend Iron Chef Goes Coastal, you are doing much more than enjoying an extraordinary evening of food and entertainment. You are helping local nonprofits meet urgent needs, sustain essential programs and improve the lives of children, families and individuals throughout our community.
Join us as we celebrate our local culinary community, work toward our $100,000 fundraising goal and 💙Live United!💙
