Garces Foundation Annual Benefit Returns With a Star-Studded Culinary Lineup of 35+ of the Area’s Best Chefs
The 14th Annual Garces Foundation Benefit returns on Thursday, April 23, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, bringing together the region’s top chefs, restaurants, and community leaders for an evening dedicated to giving back.
Themed “One Delicious Evening, Infinite Impact,” the event blends a high-energy artisan night market atmosphere with a meaningful mission—supporting Philadelphia’s immigrant community through healthcare, education, and essential services. Tickets can be purchased at garcesfoundation.org.
The annual benefit serves as the foundation’s largest fundraiser, helping fund programs like:
- Free health screenings and dental care
- ESL and digital literacy education through the IDIOMA program
- Community Health Days and Sonrisa Dental initiatives
In 2025 alone, the foundation served more than 1,000 individuals, many earning less than $13,000 annually.
The cocktail-style event will feature unlimited bites from dozens of the city’s top restaurants, offering guests the chance to sample some of the best food in Philadelphia—all in one place.
Participating names include:
- Amada
- Amy’s Pastelillo’s
- Bolo
- Buena Onda
- Cantina Dos Segundos
- Chef Robert Toland (The Campbell’s Company)
- Cry Baby Pasta
- D&L Coffee
- El Mictlán
- Emmett
- Garces Trading Co.
- Gass & Main
- Hardena
- Heavy Metal Sausage
- Izzy’s
- Juana Tamale
- La Ingrata
- Little Fish
- Los Cuatro Soles
- Luk Fu
- Mei Mei
- Mom-Mom’s Kitchen
- Pizza Freak
- Queen & Rook
- Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft
- Say She Ate
- Seahorse Chocolate with Komos Tequila
- Sophie’s Kitchen
- Southgate
- Tabachoy
- The Buttery
- Village Whiskey
- Weckerly’s Ice Cream
- White Yak
- Wilder
- …and many more
Guests will enjoy:
- Complimentary cocktails, wine, and spirits from sponsors including Stateside Vodka and Komos Tequila
- Live music from Latin fusion group Suena Cimarron
- Performances by Colombia Mi Corazón Es Tuyo folkloric dancers
- An artisan market featuring handmade goods and artwork, including pieces by muralist Manuela Guillén
- A silent and live auction will also feature once-in-a-lifetime experiences—from private chef dinners with culinary icons to exclusive travel packages and VIP concert tickets.
The Garces Foundation was founded in 2010 following the tragic loss of a restaurant employee who delayed medical care due to barriers tied to his immigration status. That moment sparked a commitment to ensuring that no one in Philadelphia’s immigrant community would face similar obstacles.
“As a business owner raised by immigrant parents, I know firsthand how essential Philadelphia’s immigrant workforce is to this city,” said José Garces. “This event brings together incredible food and community for a very important purpose.”
Dr. Beatriz Garces added, “Every ticket, every bid, every toast helps fund the care and education that ensures people don’t have to choose between fear and their health.”
