Chefs Come Together To Support Kids' Cancer Research

Cookies for Kids' Cancer — an organization that funds research for pediatric cancer treatments — will host their second annual evening benefit on February 26 at The Waterfront in New York City. All the proceeds from "Chefs for Kids' Cancer" will be put towards furthering research for childhood cancer, with last year's gala raising almost $1 million. These funds were immediately allotted to leading institutions nationwide whose scientists research better treatments for the #1 disease killer of children in the United States.

Chef Jonathan Benno of Lincoln Ristorante and chef Dan Kluger, formerly of ABC Kitchen and ABC Cocina, with a new concept expected to open later this year, will serve as co-chairs of the event. They are friends of the foundation's founders, Gretchen and Larry Witt, and knew their son, Liam, throughout his eight year-battle with cancer, which he tragically lost in 2011.

Chefs Kluger and Benno have brought together an impressive roster of top local chefs for the evening, each of whom will prepare a multi-course meal for individual tables of guests. The 36 award-winning chefs include 15 James Beard Award nominees or winners and 10 from Michelin-starred restaurants. Christina Tosi of Momofuku Milk Bar is to serve as pastry chair, and has assembled a team of pastry chefs who will each contribute a special cookie. Julie Reiner of Flatiron Lounge and Brooklyn's Clover Club will mix cocktails using spirits sourced from small-batch distilleries in New York State and donated by Brian Facquet of Prohibition Distillery, who also constructed the custom 12-foot bar for the evening.

A few (but not all) of the other chefs who will pitch in that evening are Johnathan Adler of Franny's, Nick Anderer of Marta and Maialino, Floyd Cardoz of White Street, Andrew Carmellini of The Dutch, Ryan Hardy of Charlie Bird, Eli Kaimeh of Per Se, Shane McBride of Balthazar and Cherche Midi, Ivan Orkin of Ivan Ramen, Alfred Portale of Gotham Bar & Grill, Cédric Vongerichten of Perry St. and Centurion Lounge, and Zac Young of David Burke Group.