Wholesome Wave’s 5th Annual Celebrity Chef Dinner

On Thursday, October 30th, 2025, Wholesome Wave hosted the 5th Annual Celebrity Chef Dinner at PLATFORM by JBF at Chelsea Piers in New York City. The sold-out event welcomed supporters, culinary leaders, and partners for an unforgettable night celebrating community, creativity, and our shared mission to make nutritious food accessible to all.

Thanks to the generosity in the room, the event surpassed its fundraising goal by 20%, providing critical support for Wholesome Wave’s programs across the country.

A Star-Studded Lineup

This year’s event brought together an extraordinary group of renowned chefs, including Marcus Samuelsson, Rocco DiSpirito, Jacques Torres, Deborah VanTrece, Alex Seidel, Craig Takehara, and Patrick Mulvaney.

Each chef contributed something original and deeply personal to the culinary journey, resulting in a five-course menu that showcased global inspiration, seasonal ingredients, and impeccable technique. The evening’s wine pairings were thoughtfully curated by sommelier Steve Olson, adding depth and harmony to every course.

Anchoring the kitchen was our exceptional team of Sous Chefs: Ed Kelly, Friso Vanreesema, Martin Shapiro, John Upgren, and Kathleen Merrigan. Their talent and leadership ensured every plate—and every moment—was executed with care.

Gratitude for Our Sponsors

We are honored to recognize Food & Wine, our Presenting Sponsor, whose leadership and ongoing commitment to celebrating culinary excellence helped bring this event to life.

The evening’s extraordinary flavors were also made possible thanks to the many generous product donors who provided ingredients, beverages, and specialty items that shaped each course.

Celebrating Community

Beyond the beautiful dishes and expertly paired wines, what truly defined the night was the sense of community pulsing through PLATFORM by JBF. Guests gathered around shared tables, chefs moved between the kitchen and the dining room to tell the stories behind their creations, and conversations sparked about the real-world impact of Wholesome Wave’s programs.

The energy was warm, vibrant, and hopeful—a reflection of what can happen when people come together around good food and a greater purpose.

Win the Sous Chef Experience

Each year, Wholesome Wave offers supporters a chance to step behind the scenes at the next Celebrity Chef Dinner through our Sous Chef Experience, awarded during our year-end campaign, Harvest the Hope.

Two winners will join world-renowned chefs in the kitchen—prepping, plating, learning, laughing, and sharing a “family meal” together.

It’s a truly unforgettable experience. Donate $500 or more before December 31 and be entered for your chance to win this exclusive experience!

And there’s even more to look forward to:

In 2026, the Celebrity Chef Dinner will shift to April, giving us a new moment in the culinary calendar to gather, celebrate, and champion a healthier future together!