Cooks and chefs have stepped up to the plate for a gastronomic extravaganza. “SafePath Culinary Tour & Competition: Good Eatin’ Great Cause” is Aug. 23 at the Cobb Galleria Centre Exhibit Hall from 6 to 10 p.m.

Presented by Balfour Beatty Construction and SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, the evening benefits SafePath, a nonprofit organization committed to reducing trauma to children and their families by offering a comprehensive, professional and child-friendly approach to allegations of child abuse.

“(The event) is a fun way to educate the community about the issue (of child abuse). We want people involved,” said Jinger Robins, SafePath executive director. “We’re trying to keep children safe in this community.”

The event raises needed funds for SafePath’s programs. “We’re raising money to keep SafePath strong and here today and tomorrow for the children who need us,” Robins said.

Hosted by Chef Alex Reethof of Back to the Table, the event features an interactive evening with more than 30 of Georgia’s favorite chefs who will be serving their signature dish, tapas style. Participants include Canoe, Gabriel’s, King of Pops, Miss Mamie’s Cupcakes (the first Cobb County winner of “Cupcake Wars”), and Food Network Star Chef Justin Balmes of “Chopped.” WSB-TV Channel 2 News anchor Linda Stouffer joins as media host.

Local celebrity chefs will serve as mentors in a cook-off competition between teams made up of five representatives from Cobb County Sheriff’s Department, Cobb County Police Department, Marietta Fire Department and Cobb County Fire Department.

“You’re going to taste some of the best food in Cobb County and Atlanta. You’re not only going to get to taste it — you’re going to get to watch the chefs prepare it. You’re going to be able to interact with the chefs,” Robins said.

Last year, 350 people attended the event. Robins said, “We want to turn that corner where we have more people involved in protecting and preventing than having to be on the tail end. But we also want to be here if children need us once that abuse has happened.”

She added, “We’re overwhelmed with the support. Now what we need is the missing ingredient — the community to come and attend.”

Tickets are $75 and may be purchased at www.goodeatingreatcause.org. Special pricing is available for public safety professionals (law enforcement and fire department). Call (770) 801-3469 or email commcoor.safepath@cobbcounty.org for the promotion code to purchase tickets for $35.

SafePath is located at 736 Whitlock Ave, Suite 600 in Marietta. Call (770) 801-3465 or visit www.safepath.org for more information.