2025 JBF Gala for Good™
Honoring Chef Marcus Samuelsson and Colossal
Fri, November 7, 2025
Reception and Silent Auction 6:00 PM
Dinner and Live Auction 7:00 PM
Dessert Reception to follow
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York City
2 E. 61st Street
New York, NY 10065
The James Beard Foundation Gala for Good™ celebrates chefs and culinary leaders who make our collective future more equitable, sustainable, and delicious.
This year’s Gala will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the James Beard Foundation® by honoring nearly four decades of impact in the culinary world.
Join us in celebrating our mission-driven work while raising funds to help effect positive change in the culinary industry.
Honoring
Marcus Samuelsson
Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur, Author, and Activist
Colossal
Honor Accepted By
Mary Hagen
Chief Executive Office
Hosted By
Carla Hall
Chef, Author, and Television Personality
Featured Chefs
Host Chef
Vincenzo Garofalo
The Pierre, New York, NY
James Beard Award Nominee®
Fariyal Abdullahi
Hav and Mar, New York, NY
Chef Bootcamp Alum
Ashfer Biju
Baccarat New York, New York, NY
James Beard Award Nominee®
Gilberto Cetina
Holbox, Los Angeles, CA
James Beard Award Semifinalist®
Aretah Ettarh
James Beard Award Winner®
Gramercy Tavern, New York, NY
James Beard Award Semifinalist®
Eunji Lee
Lysée, New York, NY
Michael Mignano
Wee Burn Country Club, Darien, CT
James Beard Award Winner®, Chef Bootcamp Alum
Ricky Moore
Saltbox Seafood Joint, Durham, NC
Event Leadership
Anniversary Chair
Nancy Lukitsh
Vice Chairs
Marva Smalls and George Cheeks, Paramount
Kim Williams and Trevor Williams
Rodney Williams
Marcus Samuelsson (Photo: Matthew Dutile)
Mary Hagen
Vincenzo Garofalo
Fariyal Abdullahi
Ashfer Biju
Gilberto Cetina
Aretah Ettarh (Photo: Rashida Zagon)
Eunji Lee
Michael Mignano
Ricky Moore (Photo: Briana Brough)
Photo: Max Flatow
Photo: Jeffrey Gurwin
Photo: Max Flatow
Photo: Jeffrey Gurwin
Photo: Max Flatow
Support Levels
Premium seating for 12, including two seats reserved for special JBF guests (chef program alumni, etc.), with personalized table signage and place cards.
Exclusive VIP Kitchen tour during the cocktail hour for you and your guests.
Prominent listing as Event Chair on-screen, on all collateral materials, recognition from the podium, and a full-page ad in the event program.
NEW: Personally signed copy of one of Marcus Samuelsson’s cookbooks for the table sponsor (1 cookbook per table.)
Welcome champagne toast and photo opportunity with Clare Reichenbach and special guests.
NEW: Complimentary Bottle of Champagne with service at your Gala table with a handwritten note of thanks.
NEW: Recognition in our 2026 Annual Report as member of the “Ruby Jubilee Society” of 40th Anniversary major donors.
NEW: Luxury gift bag and early access to tickets for future JBF events.
Premium seating for 12, including two seats reserved for special JBF invitees as your guests, with personalized table signage and place cards.
Exclusive VIP Kitchen tour during the cocktail hour for you and your guests.
Prominent listing as Vice Chair on-screen, on all collateral materials, recognition from the podium, and a half-page ad in the event program.
Welcome champagne toast and photo opportunity with Clare Reichenbach and special guests.
NEW: Complimentary Bottle of Champagne with service at your Gala table with a handwritten note of thanks.
NEW: Luxury gift bag.
Priority seating for 10, with personalized table signage and place cards.
Listing as Benefactor on all collateral materials and on-screen.
Preferred dinner seating at a table of 10, with access to general reception.
Listing as Benefactor on all collateral materials and on-screen.
For guests who are members of our Young Patrons program for diners under 40. Dinner seating at a table for 10, with access to general reception.
For more information, contact Senior Manager of Membership, Aaron Hock, at ahock@jamesbeard.org.
Official James Beard Foundation Partners
Proud Host
