SOUTH THOMASTON — Trekkers’ third annual Fired Up fundraising event will bring together many of the area’s chefs for a friendly competition, Thursday, July 18, in South Thomaston.

Each chef will be preparing a dish using the BioLite Camp stove — the same stove the students use on expeditions.

The winner of the best creation will be selected by event attendees.

Trekker students will also share personal stories about their transformational experiences in the program.

For nearly 25 years, Trekkers has been working to cultivate the inherent strengths of young people through the power of long-term mentoring relationships.

Trekkers serves 240 seventh through twelfth-grade students from the Midcoast communities of Owls Head, Thomaston, South Thomaston, Rockland, Cushing and St. George.

The Trekkers Training Institute was founded in 2017 and is dedicated to improving outcomes for young people by providing training, coaching and other professional development opportunities on some of the most effective, tested youth development techniques and principles, according to the nonprofit, in a release.

Through the generosity of 160 people attending last year’s fundraiser, Trekkers raised more than $60,000 towards their Core Expedition program, the heart of the Trekkers experience, according to the release.

Hannaford Supermarkets, First National Bank and First National Wealth Management are lead sponsors of the 2019 Fired Up Chef Tasting event.

“First National Bank is proud to support Trekkers and their exceptional programming with the local middle and high school students that participate in the program,” said Jake Miller, vice president, senior business development officer.

“Every day, Trekkers is making a difference in the lives of the young people in our community,  said Kristi Snow, store manager at the Rockland Hannaford. “Hannaford is proud to support Trekkers’ efforts and partner with them on such mission critical events like the Fired Up Chef Tasting.”

For more information about Trekkers or the event, contact Kate Elmes at 207-594-5095 or kate@trekkers.org or visit their website, www.trekkers.org.