In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Autism Speaks, a leading autism science and advocacy organization, brings a unique dinner party to Los Angeles. The Autism Speaks to Los Angeles Celebrity Chef Gala will showcase award-winning chefs at its first local fundraising gala, having created an exciting legacy on New York’s Wall Street for the past eight years. A hundred top chefs, cooking tableside, will create their signature four-course meals exclusively for their guests at this unique inaugural event on October 8 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. No two tables will feature the same menus.
Co-chairs of the LA Chef Gala debut are WME Head of Television Rick Rosen, WME Partner Ari Greenburg, and FX Networks President and COO Chuck Saftler. The Honorary Co-chair is Brian Kelly, Autism Speaks chairman of the board. The evening, hosted by late-night comedian Conan O’Brien, will also honor Autism Speaks co-founders Suzanne andBob Wright, commemorating 10 years of progress. Since its inception in New York, the Autism Speaks Chef Gala has raised nearly $8 million for the research, awareness, and advocacy initiatives of Autism Speaks.
In a statement, co-chairs Rosen, Greenburg and Saftler say, "Autism touches all of us personally. We are thrilled to be able to co-chair an event that honors the work of Suzanne and Bob Wright. The accomplishments of Autism Speaks over the last 10 years have been life changing: from global awareness, to advocacy, from scientific discoveries to the local impact in our LA community. We have so much more to accomplish for all people living with autism, and we are excited to help raise awareness and funds to do so at our inaugural LA Celebrity Chef Gala. It will be an unforgettable night.”
More than 50 ovens, 1,000 pounds of meat, fish, and vegetables, and hundreds of recipes are the ingredients for the Los Angeles debut of this culinary event for Autism Speaks. Participating chefs include Antonia Lofaso (Scopa Italian Roots), Art Smith (Table Fifty-Two), Ben Ford (Ford’s Filling Station), Brian Malarkey (Herringbone), Govind Armstrong (Post & Beam), Jet Tila (Food Network), Joachim Splichal (Patina), Josiah Citrin (Mélisse), Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill), Michael Voltaggio (Ink), Nancy Silverton (Osteria Mozza), Neal Fraser (Redbird), and many others.
The evening will kick off with Wolfgang Puck Catering serving hors d'oeuvresinspired by his iconic restaurants such as Spago, CUT, Chinois, and WP24, along with wines from Frank Family Vineyards and cocktails. Following cocktails, guests will be escorted to their private tables where they will witness their master chef create four exclusive courses of signature dishes tableside. Guests will also enjoy a special musical performance to be announced shortly.
Toyota, a presenting sponsor of Autism Speaks to Los Angeles Celebrity Chef Gala, will debut the new Mirai, their first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, which combines hydrogen and oxygen to make electricity onboard, while emitting nothing but water vapor.
The program will also offer a Fund-A-Mission auction where guests will have the opportunity to support special Autism Speaks initiatives including summer camp for kids with autism, the genome research program known as MSSNG, and iPads for individuals who struggle to communicate.
