Tonight: The Women's Lighthouse Project cooks off for a cause

Last year's Cookoff for a Cause was just as much fun as it looks.

The Women's Lighthouse Project -- which provides support and empowerment for women who are living with HIV -- knows not to fix something when it ain't broken. That's why its signature fundraising event, Cook-Off for a Cause, continues to pair chefs with local celebrities in an Iron Chef-style competition with delicious, and sometimes hilarious, results.

Here's what you can expect this year:

The event kicks off at 6 p.m. tonight at the University of Denver's School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, where attendees will enjoy cocktails and heavy appetizers until 7 p.m., when the contest starts. So far, teams include Jamey Fader with Lois Melkonian, Brandon Biederman with Tracy Register, Ben Davis with Mitch Morrissey, and Raymond Leigl with Mark Randall; they'll be using food donated by Sunflower Market and Tony's Market. While they compete, attendees can enjoy tours of the kitchen, wine tastings, cooking demonstration tables and a jazz band. The winners will be announced between 9 and 10 p.m., when there will also be a live auction.

Tickets are $75, which includes parking and two drinks; college students with valid IDs can get tickets for just $35. Visit www.thewlp.org/events for all the details.

For information on dozens of culinary events around town, visit our online Food & Drink listings.