We bring together like-minded people from all walks of life
At ChefTec Cares, we believe that creativity nourishes the soul just as much as food nourishes the body. Our mission is to bring people together through the shared joy of art, culture, and community — supporting local artists, makers, and organizations that make our neighborhoods vibrant and inspiring.
Who We Are
ChefTec Cares is the community-focused charitable arm of ChefTec Software, born from a deep appreciation for creativity in all its forms — culinary, visual, musical, and beyond. We know that the same passion that drives innovation in the kitchen fuels artistry in the studio, on the stage, and throughout our local communities.
We’re a collective of community members who believe in celebrating and sustaining the arts as a vital part of local life.
- Our Local Impact ChefTec Cares operates with a local-first mindset. We are deeply committed to enriching the cultural heartbeat of our community. We proudly support local music in all genres, helping musicians and venues thrive while bringing people together through the shared experience of live performance. We also invest in dance programs, local theater productions, and other community-driven arts initiatives that inspire movement, expression, and connection. From small-town stages to neighborhood festivals, we’re proud to play a small part in helping creativity thrive close to home — ensuring that the arts remain a vital, accessible, and unifying force for everyone. Our Beneficiaries We’re honored to partner with and support a growing list of local arts and community organizations that share our vision of creativity, compassion, and connection:
- Bluebird Music Festival – Uniting artists and fans through performances that inspire and give back. Boulder Ballet – Bringing the beauty and discipline of dance to audiences of all ages.
- Boulder County Farmers Markets – Supporting local growers, food producers, and community connections through vibrant public markets.
- Central City Opera – Preserving the legacy of American opera through exceptional performances and historic preservation in Colorado’s oldest opera house.
- Chautauqua Summer Concert Series – Celebrating live music in a historic Boulder setting, showcasing artists across genres in an intimate outdoor venue. Colorado Ballet – Supporting excellence in dance and expanding access to performing arts statewide. Colorado Music Festival – Showcasing world-class orchestral music and emerging talent each summer. Colorado Shakespeare Festival – Preserving classic theater and enriching cultural education.
- Community Fruit Rescue – Reducing food waste and supporting hunger relief by harvesting and redistributing surplus fruit from local trees.
- The Dairy Center – A hub for local art, film, and performance in the heart of Boulder.
- Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance - Advancing wildlife conservation and education to protect animals and ecosystems locally and globally. eTown – Celebrating music and community through live performance and sustainability initiatives.
- The Mainstay - Founded in 1997, is a non-profit live music venue dedicated to presenting a calendar of high quality, year-round concert events to neighbors along the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
- Newport Folk Festival - A legendary music festival in Newport, RI, that is rooted in community, creativity, and cultural storytelling. Known for its unforgettable performances and spirit of collaboration. Opera Colorado – Enriching lives through the power of opera, combining timeless artistry with modern storytelling.
- PCs for People - Providing refurbished technology and affordable internet to bridge the digital divide for families and nonprofits.
- People and Pollinators Action Network – Promoting healthy habitats, sustainable landscapes, and pollinator protection across Colorado.
- Roots Music Project – Building community through live music, collaboration, and artist development in Boulder.
- Stone Cottage Studios – Showcasing local musicians and fostering creativity through intimate performances and community engagement. TGTHR (formerly Attention Homes) – Empowering youth facing homelessness through housing, resources, and community support.
- Wolf Trap - A premier music venue that blends world-class performances with the natural beauty of its outdoor setting, creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages. Together, these organizations represent the spirit of ChefTec Cares — creativity, compassion, and community in motion.
meet our team
Brian Bennett
Director and founder
Experienced leader with a broad track record of success across both the commercial and nonprofit sectors, bringing strategic insight, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to community impact, while cultivating partnerships, inspiring collaboration, and advancing meaningful initiatives within diverse communities everywhere, especially at home locally.
Laura Hale
Head of Community Outreach
An experienced community connector, dedicated to building strong relationships with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders. Skilled in identifying meaningful collaboration opportunities that advance the nonprofit’s mission, and proud to represent the organization at community events, meetings, and public gatherings.
James Avila
Community Programs Manager
Community programs professional committed to supporting ChefTec Cares’ mission of strengthening local arts and community initiatives. With a passion for cultivating meaningful partnerships, coordinating impactful events, and enhancing program delivery.
Maryann Johnson
Graphic Artist
Graphic artist, presenter, and entrepreneur who brings visual storytelling and creative expression into everyday life, blending imagination with thoughtful design to create work that resonates, inspires, and deepens the viewer’s connection to the world around them.