The 14th Annual Garces Foundation Benefit will once again bring together dozens of Philadelphia’s top chefs and restaurants for an evening celebrating food, culture, and community.

Titled “One Delicious Evening, Infinite Impact,” this Artisan Night Market–inspired fundraiser will take place on Thursday, April 23, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Live! Casino & Hotel. Tickets ($125) are currently available online and include access to the event, which will feature Colombian music by Suena Cimarron, folkloric dancers from Colombia Mi Corazón Es Tuyo, paintings from renowned muralist Manuela Guillén, an artisan art market, unlimited bites and complimentary sips.

A mission rooted in community impact

All proceeds will go to help the Garces Foundation.  Established in 2010 by Chef José Garces and Dr. Beatriz Garces in response to the loss of Felipe, a 26-year-old employee who suffered from thyroid cancer but postponed treatment due to limited access to healthcare tied to his immigrant status, the couple was driven to take action. They dedicated their efforts to improving access to essential services for Philadelphia’s underserved immigrant population. Their mission centers on building a city where all individuals, including recent immigrants, are “supported in achieving a high quality of life and can fully participate in their communities.”

In fact, as noted in a release, in 2025 the Garces Foundation served over 1,000 people (with 52% earning less than $13,000 per year) through its IDIOMA ESL and digital literacy program, as well as its Community Health Days and Sonrisa Dental Programs, which offer no-charge comprehensive health screenings.

“The Garces Foundation Benefit is one of my favorite nights of the year. It brings together Philadelphia’s best culinary leaders, artists, and community champions for one uniquely delicious evening with infinite impact,” says Chef José Garces, co-founder of the Garces Foundation. “As a business owner raised by immigrant parents, I know firsthand how essential Philadelphia’s immigrant workforce is to this city.

“This event was designed to be one of the best parties in the region, with a very important purpose. I’m so grateful to every chef, restaurant, and bar that brought their time, talent and heart. The energy and generosity are truly amazing.”

Standout bites, sips and experiences

Culinary highlights for the event include unlimited bites from Amada, Bolo, Cry Baby Pasta, El Mictlán, Emmett, Gass & Main, Hardena, Heavy Metal Sausage, Izzy’s, Juana Tamale, Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft, Say She Ate, Sophie’s Kitchen, Tabachoy, Village Whiskey, Weckerly’s Ice Cream and much more from the city and surrounding area.

Standout dishes include Amada Radnor’s lamb meatballs with foie gras sherry cream and black truffles, Bolo’s crispy bacalao fritters, Little Fish’s scallop toast, Izzy’s cheesesteak bao buns, Gass & Main’s Wagyu hot dogs, and Heavy Metal Sausage Company’s house-made Argentinian morcilla toast.

Complementing the food, attendees can sip on complimentary wine, cocktails, and spirits from  Stateside Vodka and Komos Tequila, all while enjoying the event’s entertainment. The evening will also showcase handmade goods from Philadelphia’s immigrant community, including artwork by muralist Manuela Guillén and artisan jewelry from Venisbu.

Beyond the tasting experience, guests can bid on a wide array of silent and live auction packages as well, including multi-course dinners prepared by acclaimed chefs, premium concert tickets to see Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, curated travel experiences (like a Chicago culinary getaway or a Vermont retreat), Philadelphia 76ers seats with VIP perks and a Palizzi Social Club membership.

Through all the fun, food and flavor, locals can feel good about making an impact with every bite, sip and sight.

“It’s easy to feel helpless when it comes to supporting our immigrant community right now, but as always, it’s the power of community that will help us to persevere through this moment,” says David Weisberg, Garces Foundation Board Chair. “On April 23, we’re proud to unite Philadelphia’s top chefs and community members in celebration of immigrants and the culinary and artistic diversity they bring to this city. Come show up. Make a real difference.”

Tickets to “One Delicious Evening, Infinite Impact” run for $125 per person and are available at garcesfoundation.org. Parking and coat check (the event recommends cocktail attire) at Live! Casino & Hotel (900 Packer Ave) is complimentary and included at no additional cost.

Keywords

Garces Foundation,

philly food,

Chef José Garces,

Dr. Beatriz Garces