When leading Sydney chocolatier Jessica Pedemont learned of the destruction caused by December’s earthquake in Vanuatu, her first instinct was to help. Many of her staple ingredients — cacao, vanilla, and other spices — come from the region.

What began as a special chocolate fundraiser pack soon grew into a full-scale fundraising degustation and auction night, supported by some of Sydney’s most respected chefs.

👩‍🍳 WHO’S INVOLVED?

Hosted by: Jessica Pedemont – South Pacific Cacao & Chocolate Artisan
Venue donated by: Mike McEnearney – Kitchen by Mike, Sydney CBD

Five-course menu by guest chefs:

Tommy Prosser (2024 Chef of the Year)
Nick Smith (Rising Sun Workshop)
Danny Russo
Michael Lewis (Sala Dining)
Nina Huynh (ex-Bentley Group)

🎤 Emcee: Lil Tulloch (Beeswax and Bottlecaps)
🎶 Music: DJ Leeroy Brown (Aotearoa-born, one of Australia’s best)
🍹 Bar: Hosted by Noble Kava, serving Vanuatu’s ceremonial drink
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Service: Front of house run by Sydney’s Ni-Vanuatu volunteers

🎓 WHO IT’S FOR

All proceeds go directly to the Suango School (Year 1–10) in Vanuatu.
🏫 Students are currently learning in temporary UNICEF tents under extreme heat.
7 school buildings are unsafe — urgent funds are needed for classrooms, toilets & water tanks.

✔️ Working directly with the school and its acting principal
✔️ Bypassing NGO bureaucracy and political delays

🎟️ HOW TO SUPPORT

Online Auction:

Live: 23 June – 23 July
Bid on:
- Ingredients from local producers
- Artworks by prominent artists
- Cooking classes
- Wine packages
🟡 Start bidding now: https://www.32auctions.com/vanuaturising1
⏰ Closes: 6:00pm on Wednesday 23 July

Raffle:

Drawn on the night of the fundraising dinner
Tickets available at the event

🙏 All support is deeply appreciated.
Let’s help Vanuatu rise — together.