A 12-day interactive bidding war begins Oct. 13 as part of a local group's Sixth Annual Online Food Fight for charity.



The fundraiser benefits the Austin chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier, an international service organization of women culinary professionals who plan to use the money to support local garden projects, culinary scholarships and hunger programs, according to information provided by the group.



Chef-prepared private dinners, autographed cookbooks and other VIP dining opportunities highlight the more than 50 experiences available for bid, with items ranging in value from $20 to $3,000. All items were donated by chefs, restaurants and culinary businesses.



"Austin Dames have tapped their resources to create bid packages with many food and wine insider opportunities you can't get anywhere else," said Cathy Strange, president of the Austin Les Dames chapter and global cheese buyer for Whole Foods Market, in a statement.



Bidding started Oct. 13 and runs through Oct. 25. Visit https://ldeiaustin.org/food-fight for more information.



OTHER ACTIVITES (Oct. 13–15)



Oct. 13



None; Happy Columbus Day!



Oct. 14



Entrepreneur Center of Austin hosts "Addressing the Top 4 Small Business Employee Complaints," a seminar that covers wage and hour concerns, workplace accommodations, harassment and discrimination. The laws related to each topic are anticipated as are possible policy proposals that may remedy those four obstacles. 9–11 a.m. $25 (includes light breakfast). Entrepreneur Center of Austin, 4029 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Ste. 112. 512-974-7800. www.austinsmallbiz.com



Austin's top chefs draw inspiration from works of art curated by Lisa Russell of the Russell Collection Fine Art Gallery to create gourmet reinterpretations as part of ArtBites, an event in which a portion of the proceeds benefit the Austin Food & Wine Alliance. 6–8 p.m. $50 (purchase tickets here). Russell Collection Fine Art Gallery, 1137 W. Sixth St. 512-478-4440. www.russell-collection.com



Oct. 15



BizAid Business Orientation offers guidance for opening a small business or reexamining an existing idea. Entrepreneurs can gain assistance on various stages of business startup, with the course providing key questions to consider at every step in the process. 10:30 a.m.–noon. Free. Carver Branch Public Library, 1161 Angelina St. 512-974-7800. www.austinsmallbiz.com



Austin Vet Commander Networking and High Tech Hustle combine to host an Austin Vetrepreneurs Meetup, a group of small-business owners who served in the military. The meetups are organized to provide resources for veteran business owners living in the Austin area. Austin Vetrepreneurs Gene Todorov and Jason Wyte are hosting the event at their business. Free. 6-8 p.m. Brass House, 115 San Jacinto Blvd. 931-494-3745. www.meetup.com/Austin-Vetrepreneurs/events/211448402



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