New York Showed Up – AGAIN!
Photos: S:US
On June 10, 2026, 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 11 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. Click here to read the press release.
The evening raised over $1.6 million to benefit New Yorkers in need of housing, shelter, treatment and rehabilitative services, employment and skills-building, therapeutic horticulture, and crisis services.
“Every gift made tonight says something powerful,” said Andrew Zimmern, Host and Curator of the Dinner for a Better New York. “It says that opportunity should not be reserved just for the lucky. It says that housing matters, that mental health matters, that dignity matters, and that every human life has value without exception. We will step forward.”
“The money we raise tonight will help people in need,” said Perry Perlmutter, President & CEO. “People who are chronically homeless with mental illness and substance use challenges and not only get them into permanent, supportive and affordable housing, but set them up to live healthy, independent, and socially connected lives.”
Chefs who prepared the evening’s world-class menu included:
- Daniel Boulud of Épicerie Boulud
- Marcus Samuelsson and Fariyal Abdullahi of Hav & Mar
- Esther Choi of Mokbar
- Marc Forgione of Forgione
- Alex Guarnaschelli of Clara
- Jonathan Waxman of Barbuto
- Michael White of Santi
- Angie Mar of LeB
- Franklin Becker of Point Seven
- Leah Cohen of Pig & Khao
- Restaurateur Sean Feeny of Fini Pizza
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 Richman Housing Resources LLC and Board member, Victor Rosenzweig.
“Here’s what I’ve come to believe is that the measure of a city is not high how the buildings are or how high the stock price is, it’s what we all do for the people that have the least. And that’s not a slogan, I think that’s a practice and a calling. S:US has spent decades answering that call. S:US’ housing portfolio is a living network of real homes for New Yorkers.” Moshe McKie-Krisberg, President of Richman Housing Resources
“I am honored to be associated with S:US and the people that are leading it and have lead it and have done such great work in the past.” Victor Rosenzweig, S:US Board member
The 2026 Andrew Zimmern Award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify the values and characteristics that Zimmern lives by, was awarded to Lavon Turner. Lavon has endured numerous emotional and physical hardships throughout his life including losing his youngest brother to gun violence, and dealing with his mother’s struggles with addiction amid the crack epidemic. Lavon began experimenting with drugs at the age of 12, a pattern that continued into adulthood and led to repeated incarcerations and unsuccessful treatment attempts. Eventually, he reached a turning point and knew it was time for lasting change. That’s when he was introduced to S:US and a program designed to support individuals through trauma recovery, sobriety, vocational training, and stable housing. Today, Lavon is a college graduate and a proud full-time employee at S:US.
“I don’t like to say I’m proud of myself, but I’ll tell you this, I’m psyched for myself. I’m psyched for the man I’ve become, I’m psyched for the future I’m building for me and for my children because that is what this is really about. So tonight I accept this award not just for myself but for my mother and for my children and for everyone at S:US who believed in me and for every young man still waiting for someone to give him an opportunity.” Lavon Turner, 2026 Andrew Zimmern Award Winner
The Dinner for a Better New York took place at Tribeca Rooftop, in lower Manhattan.
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