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.
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.
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
