The EDWINS founder is winning big on and off the court as he helps WKYC support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio.
In Cleveland, WKYC organized the Celebrity Knockout Challenge to help the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio. Local celebrity chef Brandon Chrostowski decided to take part and switched his chef attire for basketball gear to play on the court.
Chrostowski, known for founding the EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute, engaged in a spirited game of knockout with young participants at the Boys and Girls Club. Despite the competition being fast-paced, he proved his skills with enthusiasm, making impressive shots and spreading joy among everyone involved.
While the basketball match aimed to support the club’s initiative of offering a secure and stimulating environment for children post-school hours, Chrostowski’s recent achievements away from the court are equally commendable. This year, he received the 2025 James Beard Foundation Impact Award, a prestigious accolade that acknowledges individuals and groups actively making positive changes to the food system.
EDWINS, has gained national acclaim not just for its fine French cuisine, but for its groundbreaking social mission. The restaurant doubles as a culinary training program for formerly incarcerated individuals, offering a path to employment and stability. EDWINS also runs one of the top virtual education platforms used in American prisons today.
Throughout the knockout game, Chrostowski showed the same mix of grit, generosity, and good humor that defines his work in the community. The evening ended with a round of applause, a lot of laughs, and one lucky winner walking away with a dinner for two at EDWINS — wine not included.
You can learn more about how you can help WKYC support the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio here.
