September 25
6-9pmMANNA’s 35th Anniversary Celebration
Join us as we raise a glass to 35 years of MANNA —a legacy of nourishment, compassion, and community—at an unforgettable evening of elegance, flavor, and impact! On Thursday, September 25, from 6–10 PM, The Grand Belle at The Bellevue will come alive for MANNA’s 35th Anniversary Celebration with award-winning Philadelphia chefs, spectacular entertainment, and special moments honoring MANNA’s 35 year legacy.
Chef Co-chairs Chef Eli Kulp, host of The Chef Radio Live Podcast and co-host of Delicious City Podcast, and Chef Nok Suntaranon, chef and owner of Kalaya, whose bold Southern Thai cuisine earned her the title of James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic in 2023 and a place on TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list in 2025, have curated a show-stopping lineup of Philadelphia’s top chefs that promises to deliver unforgettable dishes and a celebration worthy of this milestone year!
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!
PARTICIPATING CHEFS & RESTAURANTS
Chef David Conn of Alice
Chef Frankie Ramirez of Amá
Chef Jesse Amoroso of Amoroso Baking
Chef Victor Nguyen of Ba Le Bakery
Chef Tyler Akin of Bastia
Chef Jenn Carroll of Carroll Couture Cuisine
Chef Muhammad Abdul-Hadi of Down North
Chef Justine MacNeil of Fiore
Chocolatier Lisa Shoenbeck of Good Good Chocolates
Chefs Omar Tate and Cybille St.Aude-Tate of Honeysuckle
Chef Jimmy Rubino of Ralph’s
Chef Christina Martinez of South Philly Barbacoa
Chef Chance Anies of Tabachoy
EMCEE & HOST
Jacqueline London, Emmy Award-winning anchor and reporter, NBC10
FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT
John Jarboe and The Bearded Ladies Cabaret
Presented by Steve and Linda Korman and Family
EVENT CO-CHAIRS
Scott T. Barnes
Frances G. and Kevin R. Boyle
EVENT COMMITTEE
Jimmy Contreras, Ted Dallas, Jim and Lynn Dever, Julia and David Fleischner, Margie Honickman, Brad Korman, Martin and Monica Lupinetti, Lorina Marshall-Blake, Denyse Maxey, Linda Richardson and Susan Sherman
FAQ’s
Q: What is the dress code?
A: Fun formal attire is encouraged, feel free to add a little sparkle—it’s a celebration, after all!
Q: Where is the gala taking place?
A: The Grand Belle at The Bellevue, 200 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes! Valet parking is available at the hotel’s front entrance, and there is a self-park garage on-site. Ride-share services are highly encouraged for ease and convenience.
Q: What time should I arrive?
A: Doors open at 6:00 PM for General Admission. The evening will begin promptly, so we recommend arriving a little early for check-in and to make the most of everything the event has to offer!
Q: What does the evening include?
A: Guests will enjoy a curated appetizer hour, a full-course dinner, open bar, live entertainment, a program highlighting MANNA’s mission, a raise-the-paddle moment, a high-end raffle, and an exciting live auction featuring exclusive prizes and experiences. The night ends on a sweet note with dessert stations, all food curated by Chefs Eli Kulp and Nok Suntaranon, featuring some of Philadelphia’s top chefs.
Q: How can I participate in the auction or raffle?
A: The high-end raffle and silent auction will be open throughout the entire evening, and the live auction will take place during the program. Be sure to register your credit card prior to the event or at check-in to participate seamlessly.
Q: Will I receive a physical ticket?
A: Physical tickets will not be provided. Your name will be on the guest list at check-in!
Q: Will there be assigned seating?
A: Yes, table numbers will be assigned. However, seating at the tables is open and not individually assigned.
Q: What if I have dietary restrictions?
A: Due to the nature of the event, we cannot guarantee that all chef-stationed appetizers and desserts will be allergy-friendly, nor the family-style shared dishes served for the main course. If you have specific concerns, please reach out to MANNA’s Events Coordinator, Helen, at helen@mannapa.org.
Q: Can I support the event if I can’t attend?
A: Absolutely! Donations can be made at mannapa.org/cheers.