A group of local chefs will take their kitchens onstage tonight to offer some culinary tips and to help a charity.

The first edition of Chefs on Stage will take place at 6 tonight at the Ramada Inn, 1450 S. Atherton St.

Tickets for the show are $25, with proceeds benefiting the March of Dimes, an organization that works to improve the health of babies and prevent birth defects and infant mortality.

The evening will begin with a sample tasting of several different dishes prepared by featured chefs from area restaurants. From 7 to 9 p.m., the chefs will take the stage to explain how they create their culinary works.

Tom Kowalcyk, executive chef for the Ramada Inn, helped coordinate the event with Pam Stellabotte, marketing director for State College, the Magazine. Kowalcyk said he heard of a similar event held in Altoona. Though he is assisting with many facets of the benefit, he said he would not take the stage as a performer.

Kowalcyk said he was sure this would not be the last time they put this show together.

"Everyone on the panel has looked at this as the first of an annual event," he said.

Stellabotte said State College, the Magazine had been looking for ways to help a local charity. Almost at the same time, she said she heard March of Dimes was looking to hold an event in the area.

Most of the March of Dimes benefits are dinners, Stellabotte said. She thought they should try to have something different so they would not compete with other fund-raisers.

The night will include a few surprise, local celebrities to assist the chefs with their preparations.

"The celebrities will be put to the test to see their knowledge of food," Stellabotte said.

She also said the benefit would have an auction of gift packages with food and other prizes designed by each chef.

"I don't know of anything else like this," Stellabotte said.

"It's like theater and sporting events all rolled into one -- and it's all about food."

Tickets for tonight's show are still available and can be purchased at the door.