2nd Annual Celebrity Chef Gala Raises over $848,000
Click here for a photo gallery from the event
Click here for a photo gallery from the event
Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks, left, with event co-chair Franklin Becker; participating chef Terrance Brennan; and Autism Speaks co-founder, Bob Wright
The Autism Speaks to Wall Street: 2nd Annual Celebrity Chef Gala was held on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 and raised over $840,000 in support of Autism Speaks. The event was held at New York's Cipriani Wall Street, in the heart of the city's Financial District. This grand venue served as a fitting backdrop for a spectacular evening that featured over 80 chefs preparing four-course meals and dessert tableside. Guests were treated to the culinary showcases of some of
Highlights from the Celebrity Chef Gala
YouTube video ~ 2 minutes
the nation's leading chefs, including such renowned names as Christian Albin, Executive Chef, The Four Seasons; Franklin Becker, event Co-Chair; Terrance Brennan, Chef and Proprietor, Picholine & Artisanal Premium Cheese Center; Anne Burrell, host of "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef" on the Food Network; Cesare Casella, Chef and Owner, Salumeria Rosi; Wylie Dufresne, Executive Chef and Owner, wd~50; Michael Psilakis, Chef and Co-Owner, Anthos; Aaron Sanchez, Chef and Co-Owner, Centrico; and Lon Symensma, Executive Chef, Buddakan.
The evening was hosted by Tom Colicchio, Chef and Owner, Craft Restaurants and featured a thrilling live musical performance by Harry Connick, Jr. Celebrity guests in attendance included former model Jill Goodacre, wife of Harry Connick, Jr.; NBC Newsman Gabe Pressman; and NBC Sports Anchor Otis Livingston. The event included a live auction featuring one of a kind culinary packages as well as an impromptu auction package donated and auctioned off by Jim Cramer. Cramer, the host of CNBC's “Mad Money,” made a surprise appearance to auction a private dinner and a behind-the-scenes look at his show. Guests were also able to support “Funding Hope,” a bidding event to fund family services grants, which will make a real difference in the lives of families living with autism today. The funds raised through this initiative will go towards funding the Autism Speaks' Family Services Community Grants awarded in the areas of: education, recreation/community activities, equipment/supportive technology, and young adult/adult services. The event was co-chaired by Franklin Becker, Philip Harris and Autism Speaks board member, Kevin Murray.
See a photo gallery from the event. View a list of in-kind donors.
The evening was hosted by Tom Colicchio, Chef and Owner, Craft Restaurants and featured a thrilling live musical performance by Harry Connick, Jr. Celebrity guests in attendance included former model Jill Goodacre, wife of Harry Connick, Jr.; NBC Newsman Gabe Pressman; and NBC Sports Anchor Otis Livingston. The event included a live auction featuring one of a kind culinary packages as well as an impromptu auction package donated and auctioned off by Jim Cramer. Cramer, the host of CNBC's “Mad Money,” made a surprise appearance to auction a private dinner and a behind-the-scenes look at his show. Guests were also able to support “Funding Hope,” a bidding event to fund family services grants, which will make a real difference in the lives of families living with autism today. The funds raised through this initiative will go towards funding the Autism Speaks' Family Services Community Grants awarded in the areas of: education, recreation/community activities, equipment/supportive technology, and young adult/adult services. The event was co-chaired by Franklin Becker, Philip Harris and Autism Speaks board member, Kevin Murray.
See a photo gallery from the event. View a list of in-kind donors.
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