will go directly to the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Center at New York University, for their continued work in treating children with autism and other severe physical, intellectual and emotional disabilities.

The evening began with a cocktail reception that featured specialties from local and out of town chefs including Joey Campanaro, George Mendes, Ivy Stark, Shaun Doty and Toshio Tomita. Aerialist troupe Anti Gravity wowed attendees including famed restaurateur Drew Nieporent, with a death-defying acrobatic performance. Darrell Hammond welcomed guests to dinner and introduced the evening's featured chefs, over 60 chefs in total. Guest tables were adorned with the chef portraits taken by photographer Peter Pioppo of Studio P. The evening proceeded with a four course tasting menu. Guests watched as some of the nation's most renowned chefs prepared their meals in an intimate tableside setting. Spectacular desserts by leading pastry chefs such as Karen DeMasco, Francois Payard, Cory Colton and Sam Mason finished the meal.

The evening program following dinner included a live auction featuring the auctioneering talents of Food & Wine Magazine contributing writer Anthony Giglio, Darrell Hammond and surprise auctioneer chef Franklin Becker. The evening ended with a musical performance by singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb.

See a photo gallery from the event. View a list of participating chefs and a list of in-kind donors. View a testimonial page from the chefs. Plus, see an interview with Franklin Becker from NY1 (requires Windows Media Player).