April 29th at The Addison Park, Aberdeen, N.J.
The Ashley Lauren Foundation is proud to
announce its highly anticipated Chefs Who Care event, set to take
place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at the amazing Addison Park in Aberdeen, N.J.
This special evening will feature celebrated Italian American chef, Lidia Bastianich as our 2025 Culinary Honoree. It promises to be an unforgettable culinary
experience benefiting children with cancer and their families.
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Lidia Bastianich is an icon and a household
name in the culinary world. An Emmy-winning TV host, best-selling cookbook
author, and restaurateur, she has built a legacy of authentic Italian cooking
blended with heartfelt storytelling. Her appearances on PBS led to a celebrated
television career, with award-winning shows like Lidia’s Kitchen, Lidia’s
Italy, and Lidia Celebrates America. Lidia is also a co-founder of Eataly, an
international Italian marketplace, and has developed her own LIDIA’S line of
sauces with her children, Joseph and Tanya.
Among her many honors, Lidia has received
seven James Beard Awards, two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Culinary Host, and
was most recently recognized with a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in
2024. Her work extends beyond the kitchen as she advocates for refugee
education through the UN’s Adopt-A-Future program.
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Billy Harris Photo Credit -Eric Vitale Photography |
Also in attendance is the infamous Billy Harris, a renowned entertainer
and auctioneer who has captivated audiences for over three decades with his
razor-sharp wit and masterful improvisation. Known for his magnetic stage
presence and legendary ability to engage any crowd, Billy Harris carries on the
entertainment legacy of his cousin, Vaudeville icon Georgie Jessel. His energy
and talent ensure an evening filled with laughter, inspiration, and generosity.
Additional entertainment will be provided by DJ Paul Anthony (Paul Anthony Entertainment),
R3 Brothers Armando and Cosmo Riccobono, and NGXB.
An evening of culinary excellence for a cause,
the Chefs Who Care event will bring together top chefs from New York City, New
Jersey and the Tri-State Area, fine dining experiences, live entertainment and
an exciting silent and live auction to support the Ashley Lauren Foundation’s
mission of providing financial assistance, emotional support, and programming
for children battling cancer and their families. Guests will enjoy an exquisite
dining experience crafted by some of the finest chefs in the industry such as:
Chef Fabrizio Facchini, (Stellina-NY), Chef Roberto Caporuscio (Keste Pizza e
Vino-NYC), Chef Bryan Giron (Perquin by Santelli’s Hospitality-NJ), Chef Jesse
Jones (Chef Jesse Concepts-NJ), Chef Biagio Settepani (Bruno’s Bakery + Gelateria-NJ),
Chef Matt Abdoo (Pig Beach-NYC), Chef Joe Murphy (Bakehouse by Joe Murphy-NJ), Chef
Michele Brogioni (The Core Club NYC-NYC), Chef Stephen Yen (The Core Club
NYC-NYC), Chef Jessica Bucceri (JB Couture Cupcakes-NJ), Damiano Rosella (Amore
Ristorante-NJ), Chef Michael Cosenza (Mike’s Pasta and Sandwich Shoppe-NJ), Chef
Mike Smithling (Judy & Harry’s-NJ), Chef Joseph Sergentakis (Boschetto,
Allendale Social & Charlie’s Place-NJ), Chef Charles Verdi (Verdi Catering
& Private Dining, LLC.-NJ), Chef Angelo Competiello (Alta Irpinia-NJ), Chef
Joe Tartamella (Canoe Brook Country Club-NJ), Calvisius Caviar (Calvisius
Caviar-NYC), Jaques Torres Chocolate (Jaques Torres Chocolate-NYC), Chef Emiliano
Graci (Half Moon-NJ), Chef Chetna Macwan (The Curry Blossom-NJ), Chef Brian
Walter (87 Sussex Restaurant-NJ), Chef Barbara Gold (Gourmet Barbara-NJ), Chef
Matthew Wasson (The Tailored Night-NJ), Chef Luigi Sperenza (La Trafila,
Bombolona Bakehouse-NJ), Chef Anthony Goncalves (Kanopi Events-NY), with more
to come! Brand and beverages include: D’Artgnan, DeCecco, Urbani Truffles,
Susan Julia Olive Oil, Laura in the Kitchen, La Caravelle Champagne, Wines with
Causes, Saravella Coffee, 21st Amendment Imports, The 1 Wine &
NY Classic Beer, DiSaronno International, One Hope Wine and Lue’s Brew.
"Having Lidia Bastianich and Billy Harris be
part of this event is a true honor,” said Monica Vermeulen Founder and CEO of
the Ashley Lauren Foundation. “Their passion and generosity align perfectly
with our mission to bring hope and relief to families facing pediatric cancer.
This event promises to be an unforgettable evening of great food, heartfelt
stories, and incredible support for our cause. It is an event you won’t want to
miss.”
Event
Details:
Location: The Addison Park in Aberdeen, N.J.
VIP Guests - 5:00 pm -
9:30 pm Tickets: $200
General Admission Guests 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm Tickets $150
For
tickets and sponsorship information:
Text “CWC2025” to 76278 or visit CWC2025.givesmart.com
The
Ashley Lauren Foundation is dedicated to bringing hope
and help to children with cancer and their families in New Jersey. The
organization provides direct financial assistance, emotional support programs,
special events, and more, ensuring that families never have to face cancer
alone.
For more information call 732-414-1625.