Attendees didn't leave hungry at Thursday night's first Chefs for Charity event in Niles.

A community effort between the Youngstown Catholic Charities and the top eateries around the Mahoning Valley, all to raise funds for programs supporting those in need.

It all started with a vision Bishop David Bonnar had to work with the area restaurants we all know and love for a major fundraiser.

"This valley is about community and solidarity," said Bishop David Bonnar to 21 News.

After a conversation with V2's Ed Moses, 24 Valley restaurants agreed to showcase their cuisine at the inaugural Chefs for Charity event. The event was an effort to support programs that help stabilize housing and fight homelessness in the Tri-County area.

"Bishop Bonnar was having dinner at V2 one evening and he goes, 'I'd like to do a charity with all the independent restaurants to raise money for Catholic Charities. Could you make it happen?' I said, yes I can," explained Ed Moses. 

"The majority of issues that we see coming through Catholic Charities involve people that are unstably housed, are facing eviction, are having trouble keeping their homes," explained Nancy Voitus, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Regional Agency.

"This came at a time with the current price of food and housing," Bishop Bonnar explained. "It's very, very difficult for people who have so little. And our agencies in Trumbull, Columbiana and Mahoning Counties are there to help these people. This is an era that's economically challenged and we're on the aftermath of the pandemic. Inflation continues to rise and it's a perfect storm. The church, we want to be there with people in their good times and in bad. This is an opportunity to really be the church."

Restaurants surrounded by their competitors, working as one to support the Catholic Charities in their mission.

"We all care about each other," Moses said. "We might be competitors in our business but when it comes down to it, we're all here for each other. We all work together. It's a small community town so we're going to work together."

"Everyone came together to make this fundraiser a success," Voitus explained. "We have 100 baskets that were all donated. These dollars would support our shelter operations for months to come."

Ticket sales alone raised $38k, while the community enjoyed the best local dishes around.

"This shows us independent restaurants care about the community," Moses explained. "All of these franchise and corporate restaurants, they don't care. We care. And that's why we want to give back to the community."

Tickets were sold out for the event. Visit the Youngstown Catholic Charities website to donate.