Vanuatu Rising Fundraiser Dinner

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.