Having won the western regional championships of the American Culinary Federation's annual competition last month, the five members of the team and their advisers, chef instructors Franke Leake and Alan Tsuchiyama, are seeking aid so they can get to the finals in Orlando, Fla., in July.

The five members of the team are culinarians Anna Hirano, Keaka Lee, Tate Nakano-Edwards, San Shoppell, Rena Suzuki and Ken Yi.

The competition is designed to raise standards of culinary excellence and professionalism among students, promote camaraderie and educational opportunities and act as a staging area for research and culinary concepts. Teams compete in cold foods preparation (for presentation, not eating), a skills salon and cooking a multi-course meal.

Donations to cover travel expenses may be made by check payable to KAPCC-ACF Jr. Chapter Team, UHF Account No. 12395104. Send to: Frank Leake, Professor of Culinary Arts and Team Hawaii coach, c/o Culinary Department, Kapi'olani Community College, 4303 Diamond Head Rd., Honolulu, 96816.

The young chefs will aid celebrity chefs appearing at The Honolulu Advertiser's "Think Global, Live Local" food event at Whole Foods Market, 1-5 p.m. May 30.