What: The Celebrity Chef Challenge, presented by InAlliance.

When and where: 5:30 p.m. June 5 at the California (formerly Towe) Auto Museum, 2200 Front St.; $50 per person; (916) 381-1300, ext. 170; www.chefevent.com.

Who's cooking: Performing culinary tricks will be Charles Connell, Doubletree Hotel; Obadiah Huetter, Mango's at Arden Hills; Kent Harrison, Colusa Casino Resort; and Enrique Mondragon, SacTown Catering & Café.

Title defender: Adam Pechal of Tuli Bistro will defend his 2008 title against Tim Ray, executive director of external affairs for AT&T.

The challenge: The six chefs will have 45 minutes to turn five surprise ingredients into three dishes in front of the live audience.

Big names: Emcees will be Edie Lambert, KCRA; and Dennis Mangers, chief adviser for Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg. Celebrity judges will be Guy Farris and Melissa Crowley of "Sacramento & Co.," Lee Perkins of V101.01, SacDine.com's Michael Anthony and former state Assemblyman Lloyd Levine.

Extras: More than 60 vendors will offer food, beer and wine to sip and sample while touring the museum. For pampering, guests may visit the Arden Hills Spa and Resort booth or the Mellow Me Out Day Spa booth.

About InAlliance: The agency supports adults with developmental disabilities, providing job training, placement and independent living support. The mission supports the belief that people with developmental disabilities have the right and responsibility to participate fully and equally in society.

Featured volunteer: Kathy McKim attended the Celebrity Chef Challenge last year. This year, she is chairing it. Said McKim, AT&T vice president of external affairs for Northern California, "I was so impressed with the event, I met with the executive director. After explaining the work and what the challenge provides, it seemed like a good one. I said 'yes' when asked if I wanted to get involved, and here I am as chair." Her duties, in addition to attending planning meetings, is to acquire more sponsors and share news of the event.

"We are pleased the challenge will be held at the California Auto Museum this year," said McKim. "The patrons can tour the museum, which is amazing with the number and quality of the cars. And the guests can watch the chefs prepare the dishes."

McKim admits she is not a chef but will cook with Tim Ray, who will be defending his past honors.

Upcoming events

• Breathe California. A celebration marking Jane Hagedorn's retirement after 33 years with Breathe California will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. next Wednesday at the Sterling Hotel, 1300 H St., Sacramento. Tickets are $50 each, plus a suggested additional donation in Hagedorn's name to the group's youth and advocacy programs. Hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served. Reservations are requested by today; call (916) 444-5900, ext. 208; or e-mail rlopez@sacbreathe.org. Kori Titus, deputy director, will become the CEO on July 1.

• Casa Garden Restaurant. A wine social at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Casa, 2760 Sutterville Road, will feature Tripp Harrison speaking about "Becoming a Sommelier." Harrison is the sommelier at Biba restaurant. The social is $16 per person, including tax and gratuity. Entrée choices are chicken Sonora or Asian noodles with chicken and vegetables; dessert will be strawberry margarita torte. Reservations and entrée choice must be made in advance; call (916) 452-2809. The Casa has been supporting the Sacramento Children's Home since 1974.

• Make-A-Wish. The second annual Texas Hold 'Em tournament will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Morton's the Steakhouse, 621 Capitol Mall. Bona-fide poker tables will be incorporated into Morton's for the occasion. Amenities will include two libations per ticket, Morton's cuisine, and Scotch and a cigar on the patio. Individual tickets are $250; sponsorships may still be available. For information, call Make-A-Wish at (916) 488-8299, ext. 220, or visit www.makeawish-sacto.org.

• Arts in River Park. Performing, visual and healing arts, hands-on activities and food will be on the agenda for the event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center. Included will be drum circles, storytelling, balloon art, a Sacramento Fire Department engine display and handmade items for sale. There is no admission charge. Visit www.arts-in-riverpark.org.

• Sacramento-Suburban Kiwanis. The 51st annual art fiesta will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 6 and 7 at Town & Country Village. The fiesta, featuring work by more than 150 artists, is dedicated to Harold M. Anderson of Anderson Bros. Pharmacy. Each year, the fiesta raises funds for local charitable organizations; among those who have benefited are Kiwanis Family House and high school Key Clubs. Call (916) 972-7337 or visit www.townandcountryartfiesta.org.

• Nonprofit Resource Center. "Best of the Best" were honored at the excellence award luncheon. Honor recipients were Jim Carter, Boys & Girls Club of El Dorado Country Western Slope, board leader of the year; Jane Hagedorn, Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails, the Jan Stohr executive leadership award; and Placer SPCA and Women's Empowerment, tie for nonprofit organizations of the year. For information about the center, call (916) 285-1844.