22nd Annual Guest Chef Gainesville

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Tickets on sale NOW!

OCTOBER 5, 2023
OAK LANE WEDDINGS AND EVENTS

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Check-In & Welcome Cocktail Hour 5:30-6:30
Main Event 6:30-9:00
7827 NW 170th St, Alachua, FL

GUEST CHEF GAINESVILLE
IS PRESENTED BY

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Watch the 22nd Annual Guest Chef Gainesville Commercial!

Brought to you by

enjoy delicious recipes from home cooks and chefs all over gainesville while supporting SURVIVORS of domestic violence!

J.K. "Jess" Irby, Esq.
Clerk of the Circuit Court,
Alachua County
2023 Featured Chef

Eric L. Godet, Sr.,
President/CEO, Greater Gainesville
Chamber of Commerce
2023 Emcee

Jess Irby first served as a sous chef before becoming a Guest Chef each year since 2017. From cowboy chili to hummingbird cake, Jess tries to mix it up each year with a new contribution.

Currently serving as Clerk of the Court for Alachua County, Jess began his career in the courts as an Assistant State Attorney in 2006. As an Assistant State Attorney, he prosecuted numerous cases of domestic violence and violations of injunctions. It was during this time he grew a great appreciation of the unique challenges survivors of domestic violence face, and the importance of support systems like Peaceful Paths. As Clerk of Court, Jess provides office space in the courthouse for Peaceful Paths to use to assist survivors file for protective injunctions, and implemented a juror donation program in which jurors are able to donate any compensation they are due to Peaceful Paths and the local Guardian Ad Litem program. This program has resulted in over $38,000 donated by the jurors of Alachua County to date.

Jess is honored to be chosen as a featured chef, and will proudly continue to support and cook for an organization that makes such a beneficial impact on our community and those in the most need.

Eric Godet was named President/CEO of the Greater

Gainesville Chamber in December of 2018. Under his

leadership, the Chamber team continues its mission to

facilitate economic opportunity, business success and

community progress for the Greater Gainesville region.

“Greater Gainesville is undergoing a period of accelerated growth, and there is a lot of energy and vibrancy in many parts of our community,” says Eric. “Growth is essential to our survival, and if we’re smart about this growth, we can ensure it is sustainable and that everyone in our community benefits. I hear the calls for greater unity, and I believe the best way to achieve unity is to focus on the opportunities that we all can agree will benefit the community the most.”

Eric has served the community for many years. Prior to accepting the Chamber position, he worked as vice president of organizational advancement for Haven Hospice. Eric was also a founding member of RTI surgical, working as a change agent within the operations, marketing, distribution, donor services and communications departments.

Eric has a long history of leadership within the Chamber, having served as interim President/CEO; chair of the Public Policy Committee; chair of the Council of Economic Outreach; and chair of the Board of Directors.

About the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business in the Gainesville area since 1924. Representing over 1,300 members that employ more than 80,000 people, the Chamber is leading the effort to make the Gainesville region a global hub for talent, innovation and opportunity. The Chamber is 5-Star Accredited by the United States Chamber of Commerce, putting it in the top 1% of all Chambers nationwide.