'L.A. Loves Alex's Lemonade' Culinary Cookout Returns To Fight Childhood Cancer
Chefs from across the U.S. will return to Los Angeles for the 7th Annual L.A. Loves Alex's Lemonade cookout benefiting Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation and the fight against childhood cancer. Hosted by Chef Suzanne Goin, business partner Caroline Styne (Luques, a.o.c., Tavern), and Chef David Lentz (The Hungry Cat), the event will serve up food, wine, and cocktails for this heartfelt fundraiser on Saturday, September 10, from 12 p.m. — 4 p.m. at UCLA's Royce Quad.
The special food fest promises another stellar lineup of culinary superstars. Returning chefs include Adam Perry Lang, Giada De Laurentiis, Michael Voltaggio, April Bloomfield, Nancy Silverton, Chris Bianco, Donald Link, Jonathan Waxman, Michael Cimarusti, and Marc Vetri. The founders also announce an outstanding group of first-time participating chefs: Derek Dammann, Aarón Sánchez, Frank Stitt, Walter Manzke, Dominique Crenn, Timothy Hollingsworth, and Ori Menashe.
Between bites and sips, the day will feature children's activities, live and silent auctions, and the non-profit's signature Alex's Lemonade Stand manned by youth volunteers.
General admission is $195 ($95 is tax-deductible) with all proceeds benefiting the Foundation. In the spirit of the cause, children 12 and under are free with an accompanying adult. A $1,200 premier ticket includes a behind-the-scenes tour, meet-and-greets with chefs, up-close views as they prepare dishes, and access to the private Chef's Dinner on September 9.
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation is dedicated to realizing Alex's dream of eradicating childhood cancer. When four-year-old Alexandra Scott was being treated for neuroblastoma in 2000, she held the first cancer fundraiser in her front yard and raised more than $2,000. By the time Alex sadly passed away in August of 2004, she had helped amass upwards of $1 million. However, since its 2010 inception, the annual L.A. Loves Alex event has raised more than a whopping $3.2 million. In addition to generous community backing, prominent entertainers – including long-time attendee Jimmy Kimmel, as well as Lena Dunham, Laura Dern, Joe Mantegna, Timothy Olyphant, Kirsten Vangsness, and many others – are also champions of the cause.
"L.A. Loves Alex's Lemonade continues to exceed our expectations," said Jay Scott, Alex's Dad and Co-Executive Director of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. "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."