Until a few weeks ago, organizers of the Great Chefs of the Bay Area dinner weren’t sure they’d be able to go forward with this year’s event.

The dinner supports the Clear Lake Symphony, which was struggling to find a venue large enough to accommodate its 2010 performances. There was a chance the symphony would have to cancel this year’s season.

In early February, the Clear Lake Symphony Society learned the 85-piece orchestra it supports would have a split season. The symphony will present three concerts at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 18220 Upper Bay Road, the only area venue large enough to accommodate it.

The remaining concerts will be held at University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., which will be able to host scaled-down presentations.

Since receiving that news, the society’s volunteers have been scrambling to put together an event that typically takes months to coordinate.

This process would not have worked without the help of the community, society president Sherrie Matula said.

“The locals have really come out to support the symphony,” she said.

The 2010 Great Chefs of the Bay Area dinner will take place 7-10 p.m. Thursday, March 4, in the ball room at Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake, 3000 NASA Road One.

Tickets, which cost $60, must be ordered by March 1.

This year’s theme is “A Symphony of Flavors from Around the World.”

Participating restaurants this year will include Cuisine of India, Tierra Luna Mexican Grill, Outback Steakhouse, Mediterraneo Market & Café, Grand Finale, Hilton Hotel and Frenchies/Villa Capri.

“The restaurants have been fabulous about stepping up to the plate and helping us out,” Sherrie said.

Her husband, Mike Matula, manages the symphony’s Web site.

“I’m trying to help get them exposure,” he said.

The evening also will feature a silent auction. Proceeds will help cover the symphony’s operating expenses, including storage and transportation costs. The money also will support a scholarship program that gives college students opportunities to perform with the symphony

For more information, visit www.clearlakesymphony.org.