The 14th Annual Garces Foundation Benefit will again unite dozens of Philadelphia’s top chefs and restaurants for a night of food, culture and community. Themed “One Delicious Evening, Infinite Impact,” this Artisan Night Market-inspired fundraiser will be held Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. at Live! Casino & Hotel (900 Packer Avenue). Founded by James Beard Award-winning Iron Chef Jose Garces and Philadelphia dentist Dr. Beatriz Garces, the Foundation’s mission is to help Philadelphia’s immigrant community access healthcare, education and vital resources. Guests can support this mission by purchasing tickets for an evening filled with incredible flavors, vibrant Colombian music by Suena Cimarron, folkloric dancers from Colombia Mi Corazón Es Tuyo, paintings from renowned muralist Manuela Guillén, an artisan art market and a silent/live auction. Culinary highlights include unlimited bites from Amada, Amy’s Pastelillo’s, Bolo, Buena Onda, Cantina Dos Segundos, Cry Baby Pasta, El Mictlán, Emmett, Garces Trading Co., Gass & Main, Hardena, Heavy Metal Sausage, Izzy’s, Juana Tamale, Little Fish, Luk Fu, Mom-Mom’s Kitchen, Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft, Say She Ate, Sophie’s Kitchen, Tabachoy, Village Whiskey, Weckerly’s Ice Cream, White Yak, Wilder and more. Tickets are on sale for $125 per person at garcesfoundation.org/2026benefit. Special thank you to sponsors, including Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia, Virtua Health, Free People, Designs by Danica, Komos Tequila, Stateside Vodka and Stateside Live!.
The Garces Foundation was founded in 2010 by Chef José Garces and Dr. Beatriz Garces following the death of Felipe, a 26-year-old employee who developed thyroid cancer and delayed receiving care due to barriers to health care access because of his immigrant status. Moved to act, Chef and Dr. Garces committed to ensuring that Philadelphia’s underserved immigrant community would have access to vital services. Their vision 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. To fund that work, the Foundation created the annual benefit that remains its largest fundraiser for this lifesaving mission.
“The Garces Foundation Benefit is one of my favorite nights of the year. It brings together Philadelphia’s best culinary leaders, artists, and community champions for one uniquely delicious evening with infinite impact,” said Chef José Garces, Co-Founder of the Garces Foundation. “As a business owner raised by immigrant parents, I know firsthand how essential Philadelphia’s immigrant workforce is to this city. This event was designed to be one of the best parties in the region, with a very important purpose. I’m so grateful to every chef, restaurant, and bar that brought their time, talent and heart. The energy and generosity are truly amazing. Thank you for supporting the Garces Foundation and its mission.”
“As a healthcare professional and business owner with my own immigrant story, I’ve seen firsthand how hard it can be for immigrants to access the healthcare and job skills they need to thrive,” said Dr. Beatriz Garces, Co-Founder, Garces Foundation. “When we lost Felipe, the most painful part was knowing it was preventable. If only he had felt safe seeing a doctor. Every ticket, every bid, every toast funds the medical care and educational resources that keep that from happening again. From English classes to health clinics, and a community that doesn’t have to choose between fear and care – that’s what this night is for.”
For over a decade, the Garces Foundation has served Philadelphia’s immigrant community with access to critical services including health care, dental services, ESL and digital skills education. The Annual Benefit funds that mission by delivering life-changing support for the families and workers who help to power Philadelphia. In 2025, Garces Foundation served over 1,000 people, with 52% earning less than $13,000 per year, through its IDIOMA ESL and digital literacy program, as well as its Community Health Days and Sonrisa Dental Programs, which offer no charge comprehensive health screenings.
“It’s easy to feel helpless when it comes to supporting our immigrant community right now, but as always, it’s the power of community that will help us to persevere through this moment,” said David Weisberg, Garces Foundation Board Chair. “On April 23rd, we’re proud to unite Philadelphia’s top chefs and community members in celebration of immigrants and the culinary and artistic diversity they bring to this city. Come show up. Make a real difference.”
For 2026, Garces Foundation’s Annual Benefit returns with the Artisan Night Market theme and a new line-up of chefs, restaurants and bars, making it Philadelphia’s premier spring food showcase. The cocktail-style celebration brings together a who’s who of the award-winning Greater Philadelphia culinary community for what is now known as one of the most prestigious food showcases of spring social season.
Guests are invited to sample some of the very best bites in the city, while they interact with a who’s who of the Philadelphia culinary scene, including:
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
A sampling of culinary highlights this year includes:
* Amada Radnor with Albóndigas (Lamb Meatballs with Foie Gras Sherry Cream & Black Truffles)
* Bolo with Bacalaoitos (Salted cod fritters served with a horseradish-blue crab salad)
* Gass & Main with World’s Best Hotdogs (Sweet Heat Mustard, Pickled Shallot, Microgreens, Wagyu Beef Dog, Brioche roll | Peanut Butter & Frito – Peanut Butter, Fritos, Wagyu Beef Dog, Brioche Roll)
* Heavy Metal Sausage Company with House Made Argentinian Morcilla Toast (Argentinian morcilla made from local pork, butchered in house. served with house milled and baked rye bread, biquinho pepper salsa, heirloom bean puree)
* Izzy’s with Cheesesteak Bao Bun (Cheesesteak on a Bao Bun with Fried Onion and Cooper Sharp Cheese)
* Little Fish with Scallop Toast (Shaved raw scallops dressed in chili oil, soy, chives on buttery sesame toast)
* Pizza Freak with Garlic Pizza Freak with Mushroom Nduja (Flatbread w/ mushroom nduja, stracciatella, and sesame)
* Sophie’s Kitchen with Ah Mok (Coconut curry fish wrapped in a banana leaf)
* Wilder with Hamachi Crudo (Hibiscus, caper berries and serrano)
For beverages, guests will enjoy complimentary wine, spirits, cocktails and more, including selections from event sponsors Stateside Vodka and Komos Tequila.
While guests sip and sample their way around the ballroom, the event will be infused with live music presented by the dynamic Latin fusion sounds of Suena Cimarron, a fresh new five piece supergroup that celebrates music of the Colombian Pacific. For added entertainment, Garces Foundation welcomes the debut of folkloric dancers from the nonprofit organization, Colombia Mi Corazón Es Tuyo.
Festivities will also include handmade crafts from members of the Philadelphia immigrant community, including paintings from renowned muralist Manuela Guillén, and Venezuelan and Wayuú artesian jewelry from Venisbu.
Silent and live auction highlights include rare and unique experiences, such as:
* The Philly Legends Private Dinner at Amada Radnor, featuring Chefs Michael Solomonov, Marc Vetri and Jose Garces. Each chef will prepare a special course for your group of 10 guests.
* The Friends of the Tournament of Champions, featuring Chefs Karen Akunowicz, Stephanie Izard and Jose Garces, held at Amada Radnor.
* Tickets to Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band – Land of Hopes & Dreams American Tour. Friday, May 8, 2026 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
* A Chicago Culinary Escape: 3-Night Stay and Insider Food Experience with Chicago Food Critic Nick Kindelsperger.
* Vermont Vacation – 2-Night Stay at Woodstock Inn & Resort and a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at Barr Hill distillery.
* Private Multi-Course Wine Dinner Party for Eight Catered by Nathan Winkler-Rhoades (Pitruco), Sam Gellerstein (Snacktime), Matt “Buddha” Budenstein (Liberty Kitchen), Ben Grossberg (GK Selections).
* Broadkill Beach House: One Week Stay – 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, balcony, 1 block from the beach, outdoor shower, parking for up to 6 cars.
* Philadelphia Sports Tickets – 76’ers: Section R106 Row B seat 11 & 12 (about 5 rows from the floor) Unlimited beer and wine plus a $50 credit for food.
* Palizzi Social Club – Club membership along with a signed cookbook from Chef Joey Baldino.
Tickets to “One Delicious Evening, Infinite Impact” are on sale now for $125 per person. Parking and coat check at Live! Casino & Hotel are complimentary and included at no additional cost. Dress to impress. Guests are encouraged to dress in cocktail attire.
For tickets and more information, visit garcesfoundation dot org/2026benefit, call (267) 284-7905 and follow @garcesfoundation. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Robin Morris at robin at garcesfoundation dot org or (215) 430-3444.
ABOUT GARCES FOUNDATION
Founded in 2010 by James Beard Award-winning chef Jose Garces and Dr. Beatriz Garces, the Garces Foundation connects Philadelphia’s immigrant community with the healthcare, education, and support needed to build healthy, thriving lives. In 2025, the Foundation served over 1,000 people, with 52% earning less than $13,000 per year, through four core programs: IDIOMA, an English language and digital literacy program tailored to the service industry; Community Health Days; the Sonrisa Dental Program; and additional programs designed to meet the community’s evolving needs. Community Health Days and Sonrisa provide no charge comprehensive health screenings and dental care to those who need it most. The Garces Foundation believes that everyone, including recent immigrants, deserves access to the resources and opportunities to contribute and flourish as members of our community. For more information, visit garcesfoundation.org.
ABOUT CHEF JOSE GARCES – CO-FOUNDER
Chef José Garces is redefining what it means to be a modern chef-entrepreneur, evolving from celebrated restaurateur to a multi-platform food industry leader. Best known for pioneering Spanish and Latin American cuisine in the U.S., Garces now operates at the intersection of culture and commerce, spanning restaurants, retail, catering, and direct-to-consumer dining.
His culinary footprint includes national restaurant expansions of beloved concepts, including Amada, Village Whiskey, and Buena Onda, through his partnership with SPB Hospitality, chef-driven meal innovation through Cook Unity, in top national and international markets including NYC, LA, Chicago, and Toronto, and the nationwide retail growth of his Como Como line in 6 markets and 97 Costco locations across the U.S.
Regionally, Chef Garces continues to invest in new markets and creative ventures, including Okatshe in Allentown, and an expansion into Maine with a new private kitchen studio and accompanying video series spotlighting local cuisine, chefs, and regional food culture.
As a child of immigrants and a leader in the diverse and inclusive hospitality industry, the wellbeing of his Philadelphia community has always been central to Garces’ mission. In 2011, he co-founded The Garces Foundation to provide healthcare access, English language education for restaurant workers, and food security initiatives for immigrant families.
Chef Garces is the author of two cookbooks, Latin Evolution and The Latin Road Home, published by Lake Isle Press.
ABOUT DR. BEATRIZ GARCES – CO-FOUNDER
Dr. Beatriz Garces is a dentist, entrepreneur, and community advocate whose own immigrant journey has always informed her life’s work. Born in Havana, Cuba, she moved to Miami, Florida in 1994 to acquire her Bachelors in Biology at Florida International University, and later acquired her Dental Medicine Degree in 2002 from Temple University School of Dentistry. In 2012, she co-founded the Garces Foundation to ensure that Philadelphia’s immigrant community has access to the healthcare, education, and support they need to succeed. She remains deeply active in the Foundation’s work, as a board member and health care provider for the Foundation’s Sonrisa dental program. For decades, she worked as Founder and Principal of Garces Dental Group, her dental practice in Philadelphia, as well as a part-time faculty clinician at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry, Delaware Technical Community College, and Christiana Care Hospital. She currently focuses her work in public health, treating the incarcerated population for the Departments of Correction in both Delaware and Alaska, and serving Native American communities in rural villages in Alaska.