Cheers to 10 Years of the Dinner for a Better New York
Photos: S:US
On June 5, 2024, Emmy-winning and four-time James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Zimmern curated the Dinner for a Better New York, a culinary celebration to benefit Services for the UnderServed (S:US), a nonprofit organization founded in 1978, that is transforming the lives of New Yorkers with disabilities, people in poverty, and people facing homelessness. Zimmern, who also serves as a member of the S:US board, was joined by 10 of the city’s top chefs for a night celebrating S:US’ life-changing work to build a better New York where opportunities are available to all.
The evening raised $1.2 million to benefit New Yorkers in need of housing, shelter, treatment and rehabilitative services, employment and skills-building, therapeutic horticulture, and crisis services.
Click below to view a special message from some of the people served by S:US.
Chefs who prepared the evening’s world-class menu included:
- Eric Adjepong of EA
- Daniel Boulud and Sebastien Rouxel of Daniel
- PJ Calapa of Marea
- Esther Choi of Mokbar
- Leah Cohen of Pig & Khao
- Calvin Eng of Bonnie’s Brooklyn
- Marc Forgione of Forgione
- Dan Kluger of Greywind
- George Mendes of amar
- Stefano Secchi of Rezdôra
Guests enjoyed tasting stations, each presented by a chef in-person, and a multi-course menu curated by Zimmern. The Dinner for a Better New York also honored Barbara Lehrer, President & CEO, The Beacon Group; and Samantha Magistro, CEO, Bronx Pro Group.
“S:US’ mission to drive solutions to transform lives has never been more relevant. We’re honored to provide services to people with developmental disabilities, folks with mental health issues, and those experiencing homelessness,” said Perry Perlmutter, President & CEO, Services for the UnderServed. “As you know, NYC has a growing housing/homelessness crisis. S:US believes the solution to homelessness is homes. Home is more than a roof — it’s stability, safety, community, belonging.”
The 2024 Andrew Zimmern Award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify the values and characteristics that Zimmern lives by, was awarded to Navy Veteran Susan Stockmar. Susan has faced unimaginable hardship, enormous loss, and considerable physical challenges. She lost her home in North Carolina to a tornado, then another to Hurricane Gus in Florida, later to be diagnosed with spinal disease and cancer. Through it all, including several experiences of homelessness, Susan’s resilience, hard work, perseverance, and optimism guided her toward a life of independence. Recently having gone through knee replacement surgery and finally settling into a place where she can recuperate, Susan credits S:US with much of her success saying, “without S:US, I wouldn’t have survived.”
“Winning the Andrew Zimmern award has opened my eyes a bit further. This is what it took for me to realize that I am a survivor. I am on borrowed time, and I need to make the most of it. I need to do more to give to others, and I need to spend more time with my kids, most important. And most of all, keep surviving!” said Susan Stockmar, accepting her award. “Just one more thing. Andrew, I read about your life, and you are an inspiration to me. Thank you for this Award and for giving back. To everyone here, please continue doing what you do and keep helping others. I will do my part as much as I can.”
The Dinner for a Better New York took place at Tribeca 360, in lower Manhattan.
Enjoy the stories, personal notes, ads from our events sponsors, a special section dedicated to our Chefs and so much more in our 10th Anniversary Dinner for a Better New York program.