Exclusive event on the Jersey Shore benefiting families through The Ashley Lauren Foundaton
Brielle, N.J. – February 16, 2026 – The Ashley Lauren Foundation is proud to announce its highly anticipated 4th Annual Chefs Who Care event, set to take place on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 at the Addison Park in Aberdeen, NJ from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Guests will enjoy this exclusive evening of curated tastings with over 40 top NYC, NJ and New England area chefs, premium wines and cocktails, entertainment and a spectacular live auction by celebrated auctioneer Patrick Tully.
The Ashley Lauren Foundation is grateful for the generous support of D’Artagnan – renowned for its pioneering role in bringing humanely raised, sustainably produced meats to American kitchens – and its parent company, Fortune Fish & Gourmet – an industry leader in meticulous sourcing, processing, and distribution of premium seafood and gourmet foods. Their partnership helps make the Chefs Who Care event possible.
This year, the Foundation celebrates D’Artagnan Founder Ariane Daguin as its 2026 Culinary Honoree. Her lifelong advocacy for humane farming, sustainable sourcing, and culinary excellence has shaped generations of chefs and food lovers and cemented her status as a trailblazer in the culinary world.
This year’s Chefs Who Care promises to be an exquisite dining experience crafted by some of the finest Chefs in the industry. Early bird tickets are $200 per person up to March 14th. After that, tickets are $250 per person.
The Ashley Lauren Foundation, the beneficiary of this remarkable event, has been providing vital assistance to children with cancer and their families in New Jersey for just over 20 years. “I founded the organization in 2005 based on my own experience when my daughter, Ashley Lauren, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of three,” shared Founder/CEO Monica Vermeulen. Through various programs and initiatives, the Foundation offers financial, emotional, and material support, ensuring that families have the resources they need to navigate the challenges of pediatric cancer. “We help with Direct Financial Assistance (all household bills, traveling expenses to and from hospitals, funeral expenses and much more); Material Assistance (food, clothing, household items); Emotional Support (for the entire family); 2 Major Parties for the Children and their families (Spring Party at the Boardwalk and Christmas Party); Advocacy; “Making Dreams Come True” Program; Birthday Brigade (each child is celebrated on their Birthday); Outings, Home Repairs and anything else that is needed to make their lives easier and bring smiles to their faces. This event will strengthen our ability to bring much-needed resources and assistance to the many children and their families who are facing the horrific disease of pediatric cancer,” continued Vermeulen.
Co-chairs of Chefs Who Care are NYC photographer and son of Founder Monica Vermeulen: Eric Vitale and Culinary Influencer Gennaro Pecchia. Proceeds will go directly towards supporting the programs and services provided by The Ashley Lauren Foundation.
Event Details:
Location: Addison Park in Aberdeen, N.J.
Guest Admission – 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Early Bird Tickets $200 up to March 14
After March 14, tickets are $250
For tickets and sponsorship:
Text “CWC2026” to 76278
Or Visit CWC2026.givesmart.com
Or Pay by check to: The Ashley Lauren Foundation, 617 Union Avenue, Bldg. 3 Suite 27, Brielle, NJ 08730.
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 info call 732-414-1625. For updates, follow at ashleylaurenfoundation.org
Check out the Chefs Who Care 2025 Highlight Reel: