Chefs from across the country are set to return to Los Angeles for the 6th Annual L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade culinary cookout benefiting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and the fight against childhood cancer on Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 12–4pm atUCLA’s Royce Quad. The event — hosted by Chef Suzanne Goin, business partner Caroline Styne (Lucques, a.o.c., Tavern) along with Chef David Lentz (The Hungry Cat) and presented by Northwestern Mutual and Volvo — will offer fantastic food and cocktails prepared by over 50 of the nation’s best chefs, all contributing to curing childhood cancer.
Joining host Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne and David Lentz will be another stellar lineup of the nation’s culinary superstars. Returning chefs include John Besh, Scott Conant, Giada De Laurentiis, Ludo Lefebvre, Donald Link, and Marc Vetri along with first-time participating chefs Tony Esnault, Ray Garcia, Micah Camden and Katie Poppe, Cosmo Goss, Brandon Kida, Tyler Malek, Lachlan Patterson, Chris Phelps and Zak Walters, Mindy Segal, Joachim Splichal, Suzanne Tracht and Johnny Yoo. Expect tastings from over 47 acclaimed wineries in the country along with craft cocktails prepared by mixologists Eric Alperin, Neal Bodenheimer, Dona Bridges, Beau du Bois and Martin Daraz.
The day is filled with delicious foods from coast to coast, cocktails for a cause, a treasure trove of children’s activities, live and silent auctions of exclusive experiences and packages as well as the signature Alex’s Lemonade Stand manned by youth volunteers.
Galvanized by their participation in The Great Chefs Event in Philadelphia founded by Chef Marc Vetri, the first culinary event to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Goin, Lentz and Styne were determined to engage the philanthropic prowess of the LA community. From the onset, supporters embraced L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, making it the most anticipated culinary celebration of the year. Created by the inspiring and courageous Alexandra “Alex” Scott at the age of four, Goin, Lentz and Styne have rallied to make L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade an everlasting tribute to a young girl’s commitment to help all children struggling with cancer.
From its inception in 2010, the event has sold tickets to capacity and raised over $2.7 million for the Foundation’s efforts in funding research for childhood cancer treatment and cures. In addition to the generous backing of the community, prominent personalities from the entertainment industry – long time attendee Jimmy Kimmel, Camilla Belle, Lena Dunham, Laura Dern, Joe Mantegna, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, Gillian Jacobs, Timothy Olyphant, Kirsten Vangsness and others – have become champions to the cause.
“From the moment we decided to create a culinary event with a cause, we had huge aspirations of where it could go,” said creator and host chef Suzanne Goin. “While the event has certainly exceeded our expectations, we continue to take our cues from Foundation creator Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who always wanted to do more. We look forward to the 2015 event, and have our sights set on blowing all previous years out of the water.”
“Each and every year I am inspired by the outpouring of support shown at the L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade event,” said Liz Scott, Alex’s mom and Co-Executive Director of the Foundation. “Of course, the food is delicious, but more than that, the spirit surrounding the day, and the dedication of those involved reminds me that when we come together, all things are possible, including moving toward the day when cures become realities for all kids with cancer.”
Pricing for General Admission tickets is $195. L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade will also offer a $1,200 premier ticket that includes a behind the scenes tour of the venue, an opportunity to meet the chefs and watch as they prepare their dishes, and exclusive access to the private Chef’s Dinner the evening before (Friday, September 11). In the spirit of the culinary cookout, children under the age of 12 are free with an accompanying adult, and do not need to register for the event.
For complete listings of participants and to purchase tickets for this year’s event visit the ALSF website. All proceeds will benefit the Foundation.
For information on how to become a sponsor, contact Selina Poiesz at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, (610) 649-3034 or s.poiesz@alexslemonade.org.