TV Personality Andrew Zimmern and Celebrity Chefs Join S:US to Raise $1 Million for New Yorkers in Need
Photo credit: S:US
“Services for the UnderServed is a very special organization to me, as somebody who was homeless on the streets of New York who had to beg for meals, who felt compelled to steal to support himself,” stated Andrew Zimmern from the podium at Services for the UnderServed’s annual Dinner for a Better New York. “My story is just like the stories of the communities that we serve,” added the four-time James Beard Award-winning chef and TV personality.
For the seventh year in a row, Zimmern curated and hosted the Dinner, a unique culinary experience bringing together 13 world-class chefs. The evening benefits S:US’ mission to transform the lives of New Yorkers impacted by disability, homelessness, and poverty by offering housing, employment, skills-building, and rehabilitation services. The Dinner was an amazing success, raising $1 million to further the work of S:US.
The accomplished chefs who lent their talents to preparing the evening’s menu included:
- Marcus Samuelsson of Red Rooster
- Alex Guarnaschelli of Butter
- Nobu Matsuhisa of Nobu New York
- Jamie Bissonnette of Toro NYC
- Marc Forgione of Restaurant Marc Forgione and American Cut
- Daniel Boulud and Jayce Baudry of Daniel
- Josh Capon of Lure Fishbar
- Ken Oringer of Toro NYC
- Justin Smillie of Upland
- Mark Welker of Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad Restaurant
- Michael White of Marea
Source: S:US
“I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the support of S:US,” said David Arnold, a young man who has received support through S:US’ Developmental Disabilities Services. “My early years were not easy. My birth mother left me in a New York City hospital after giving birth to me. When I was younger, I was diagnosed with a developmental disability.” S:US CEO Donna Colonna presented David with the Andrew Zimmen Award, an annual honor that celebrates an individual, served by S:US, who has displayed resilience, perseverance, optimism, and a loving heart like its namesake, Chef Andrew Zimmern.
David went on to say that he was “extremely lucky to have found S:US 13 years ago.” S:US staff supported David in becoming more independent, gaining money management skills, learning to navigate public transportation, and maintaining his health. He now has a job with Cleaning with Meaning, a cleaning company that employs and supports individuals with disabilities; and lives independently in his own apartment.
Gareth Old, Chair of the S:US board and partner at Clifford Chance, then took to the stage to introduce the evening’s honoree, Jen Press Marden, Vice Chair of the S:US board. “Jen is the living personification of New York philanthropy,” stated Old. “Jen is always thinking of ways that she can contribute. She is tireless in her efforts around advocacy for S:US.”
“I want everybody to raise a glass as we toast this extraordinary group of leaders who are making a difference in New York City every day,” said Marden, in an impassioned speech closing the evening. “So let’s raise a glass and toast to a better New York, to a more compassionate New York, to a more love-filled New York. Each person’s victory is our own, because this is how we roll in New York City!”
The Dinner for a Better New York took place at Tribeca 360 in Manhattan.
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