New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Chefs Who Care: A Night with Lidia Bastianich to Support Pediatric Cancer in New Jersey

originally published: 03/16/2025

(BRIELLE, NJ) -- The Ashley Lauren Foundation presents its Chefs Who Care event, set to take place on April 29, 2025 at the amazing Addison Park in Aberdeen. This special evening will feature celebrated Italian American chef, Lidia Bastianich as their 2025 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.

Hosting the evening as Master of Ceremonies 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.

VIP tickets are $350 and allow guests from 5:00pm - 9:30pm.  General Admission tickets are $250 and allow guests from 6:00pm - 9:30pm. For tickets and sponsorship information: text “CWC2025” to 76278 or visit CWC2025.givesmart.com.The Addison Park is located in Aberdeen, New Jersey.




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage



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.

“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.”

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.




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage


FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Gloria

Gloria Gaynor - bergenPAC Spring Luncheon

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 @ 11:30am
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: community


 

Uncork

Uncork Spring! A New Jersey Wine Event

Saturday, March 22, 2025 @ 1:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008
category: community


 

David

David Hogg

Thursday, March 27, 2025 @ 11:00am
Ocean County College, Gateway Lecture Hall (Building 101)
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: community


 

The

The Jordan Toma Experience

Friday, March 28, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: community


 



Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




EVENT PREVIEWS

Step

Step into Spring at WheatonArts: A New Season of Creativity Begins April 5th

(MILLVILLE, NJ) -- Celebrate the start of Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center's creative season with the free kick-off event Wheaton Springs 2025 from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The event offers visitors of all ages the chance to explore, experience, create, and celebrate across WheatonArts' 45-acre campus that inspires creativity. Admission to all exhibitions and artist studio demonstrations is free and open to the public, part of WheatonArts Family Days, presented by PNC Arts Alive!



NJ

NJ Creative Communities Conference at Hudson County Community College Rescheduled to November

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Creative Communities Conference 2025: The Art of Community Well-Being (NJCCC 2025) has been rescheduled to Thursday, November 6, 2025. The conference takes place from 9:00am to 5:00pm at the Hudson County Community College Culinary Center located at 161 Newkirk Street in Jersey City, New Jersey.



Carteret

Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center hosts Uncork Spring!

(CARTERET, NJ) -- Kick off the 2025 New Jersey wine season on Saturday, March 22nd with Uncork Spring! at the URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center. This unique wine event features the best New Jersey wineries and vineyards, bringing you more than 150 wines to be sampled & purchased. It runs from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.



Two

Two River Theater to Honor T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center with Inaugural Spotlight Award

(RED BANK, NJ) -- As part of its 31st Gala on Saturday, May 3, 2025, Two River Theater is thrilled to honor local Community Partner T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center with its inaugural Spotlight Award.



Gardens

Gardens of Cape May Tour to take place on May 10

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Immerse yourself in colorful lush landscapes that will spark your creativity during The Gardens of Cape May Tour on Saturday, May 10, 2025. This is a self-guided tour that shows private and public gardens in the charming coastal town of Cape May. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a budding enthusiast, this tour offers endless inspiration and fresh ideas to bring back to your own garden.