Master Chef, television personality and philanthropist Tom Colicchio will be the keynote speaker at Hopelink’s 16th annual Reaching Out Benefit Luncheon on Oct. 17 at Bellevue?s Meydenbauer Center.

The Reaching Out luncheon aims to raise $1.2 million to enable Hopelink, the largest social services agency serving east and north King County, to continue meeting the needs of families who are struggling during the current recession – particularly in light of state and federal budget cutbacks.

The benefit luncheon will be held from noon to 1:15 p.m. Oct. 17 at Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St. in Bellevue. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. There is no charge to attend the luncheon, but during the program guests will be asked to make a donation in support of Hopelink’s services. The suggested minimum donation per person is $150.