Southside School Foundation for the Arts (SSFA) hosted its 2026 "Cooking for the Arts" fundraiser on April 24 at Michael's on East, welcoming more than 200 guests for an evening benefiting arts education at Southside Elementary School.

Co-chaired by Molly Biter and Montana Taplinger, the "Havana Nights"–themed event featured interactive cooking by Master Chefs Phil Mancini and Jamil Pineda, live music, dancing, specialty cocktails, and a raffle, live auction, and paddle raise led by auctioneer Reverend Charleston Wilson of the Church of the Redeemer. Auction items included luxury hotel stays, concerts, culinary experiences, and custom home décor installations.

Guests enjoyed a tropical, Havana-inspired menu featuring La Mer de Havana seafood stew and Cuban spiced crusted flat iron steak, followed by dessert and cigars.

"The energy in the room was incredible," said SSFA President Jennifer McPheeters. "Cooking for the Arts continues to be such a meaningful reflection of what makes the Southside community so special — passionate volunteers, generous sponsors, and families who believe deeply in the importance of arts education." SSFA thanks its sponsors, donors, and in-kind partners. Learn more at southsidefoundation.org.  Southside School Foundation for the Arts.