The Garces Foundation is Hosting the 13th Annual Benefit With a Latin Night Market Theme Featuring Live Music, Food, & More

The Garces Foundation recently annouced the organization’s 13th annual benefit – with a new theme, a new line-up of chefs, and as well as an important cause. The Garces Foundation Benefit will feature a Latin night market themed celebration, honoring immigrant contributions to Philly’s amazing food scene.

The event will take place on Thursday, May 8th from 6:00pm to 9:30pm, at Live! Casino & Hotel (900 Packer Avenue).  James Beard Award-winning Iron Chef Jose Garces will host the best food showcase of the spring with three dozen top chefs and restaurants for an evening filled with incredible flavors, immigrant art, vibrant music, photo opportunities, silent/live auction and other surprises. Guests will enjoy unlimited bites and sips while they mix and mingle for a great cause – to help provide medical care and educational services to Philadelphia’s immigrant community.  Tickets are on sale for $125. For tickets and more information about the Foundation, visit garcesfoundation.org/annual-event

“This fundraiser is such a special moment for Philly’s food scene – it’s when chefs, restaurants, and bars from all over the city come together to give back to the immigrant community that helps our industry thrive,” said Chef Garces. “Restaurants wouldn’t run without the hardworking immigrants who make it all happen in the back of the house and on the floor. That’s why this event means so much to me. This event was designed to be a great party with a very important purpose. I’m incredibly grateful to all of our participating chefs, restaurants and bars for putting in their time, talent, and heart to make this night unforgettable. The energy, the generosity – it’s truly amazing. A huge thank you to everyone supporting the Garces Foundation and its mission.”

Garces continued, “Since its start, the Garces Foundation has focused on ensuring that our immigrant neighbors, particularly those working in the hospitality industry, have access to the support they need. We started the organization following the death of one of my cooks from thyroid cancer. A life was lost due to a lack of access to medical care. We realized that it was vitally important to ensure that Philadelphia’s underserved immigrant community has access to vital community services it deserves.”

“It’s easy to look at the plight of our immigrant community and feel helpless when it comes to making a difference,” said Foundation Board Chair David Weisberg. “Attending the Garces Foundation Benefit provides the opportunity to immerse oneself in immigrant culture, enjoy the best restaurants Philadelphia has to offer, and make a real and tangible impact on the lives of our beautiful immigrant population all at the same time. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Drinks will be provided courtesy of Philadelphia Distilling, Stateside Vodka, Yards and more while participating restaurants will include:

Alice
Amada Philadelphia
Amada Radnor
Amy’s Pastelillos
Bolo
Buena Onda
DaVinci & Yu
El Bochinche
Enswell
Fiorella
Gabriella’s Vietnam
Gass and Main
Hi – Lo Taco Co.
High Fidelity
Jen Carroll
Juana Tamale
La Chingonita
La Ingrata
Los Cuatro Soles
Luck Lu (from Live! Casino)
Morimoto
Philly Tacos
Pizzata Pizzeria
Queen and Rook Game Cafe
RippleWood Whiskey and Craft
Robert Toland (winner of Next Baking Master: Paris on Food Network)
Saviñon
Sí Taqueria
South Philly Barbacoa
The Avery
Tamalex Bar and Grill
Taqueria Morales
Village Whiskey
White Yak
Wilder

While guests sip and sample their way around the ballroom, the room will be infused with live music reflecting Philadelphia’s immigrant community. The Garces Foundation is proud to present the dynamic Latin fusion sounds of De Tierra Caliente. Formed in 2014, this flavorful band, with members from both Philadelphia and Puerto Rico, has taken their exhilarating performances across the United States, Colombia, Brazil, and Puerto Rico. Their music combines catchy melodies, unaffected lyrics, and a fusion of Latin, Caribbean, Brazilian and American rhythms, resulting in an unforgettable celebration of music and culture.

Festivities will include a new night market area with handmade crafts from members of the Philadelphia immigrant community, featuring Artesania Leticia, CRarte, Jnatural Bracelet, Manuela Guillén’s Art Store, Moonlight Arte, Our Hope and Variedades Agata.

Other event highlights include a wine pull, photo stations and a live and silent auction. Auction prize highlights include a weekend adventure at Fitler Club including a private screening in their theater, an autographed baseball hat by All Star Third Baseman Alec Bohm, an exclusive pizza party experience with Chef Brad Daniels from Pizza Freak Co., a private dinner (BYOB) for 10 people by James Beard Award nominated chef Juan Carlos of El Chingón,and a golf foursome with Ruben Amaro Jr., and more.

All proceeds from this event will benefit the important work of the Garces Foundation, which provides crucial healthcare, education, and dental services to our immigrant neighbors in Philadelphia. The vision of the Garces Foundation is a city in which everyone, including recent immigrants, have the support they need to enjoy the highest possible quality of life and contribute meaningfully as members of the community.

The Latin-American immigrant community faces considerable healthcare accessibility hurdles, which are exacerbated by limitations to necessary educational services that teach English proficiency. Philadelphia’s Spanish-speaking immigrants struggle to overcome linguistic and cultural barriers, and often have trouble obtaining health insurance, and accessing healthcare.

The Garces Foundation provides these services to the immigrant community through community health days and English language classes targeted toward the restaurant industry.

“The Garces Foundation Benefit is more than just a celebration of food and culture – it’s a lifeline for our work supporting Philadelphia’s immigrant community,” said Foundation Executive Director Robin Morris. “Every ticket, every bid, every toast helps fund critical medical care and educational resources like English classes and health clinics. It’s an unforgettable night that makes a real and lasting impact.”

Celebrate and toast the region’s culinary scene while being an active partner in this important work. Tickets are on sale for $125. Parking and coat check at Live! Casino & Hotel are included at no additional cost. Dress to impress. Guests are encouraged to dress in cocktail attire.