Food extravaganza to benefit immigrant community
More than three dozen of the city’s top restaurants are collaborating on a special night to raise money for the region’s immigrant community.
The 13th annual Garces Foundation Benefit will take place at Live! Casino and Hotel on Packer Avenue on May 8 with a Latin night market theme, which pays tribute to immigrant contributions to the local food scene.
From 6 to 9:30 p.m., James Beard Award-winning Iron Chef Jose Garces will host an evening showcasing top chefs and restaurants, immigrant art, vibrant music, photo opportunities, silent/live auction and other surprises.
Tickets are $125 and the event raises money for the Garces Foundation. The foundation was started after a local immigrant named Felipe died because he wasn’t able to find timely medical care because he feared deportation. The Garces Foundation was founded in memory of Felipe with the purpose of ensuring that the immigrant community has access to and knows where to find proper resources.
“This fundraiser is such a special moment for Philly’s food scene – it’s when chefs, restaurants and bars from all over the city come together to give back to the immigrant community that helps our industry thrive,” said Garces. “Restaurants wouldn’t run without the hardworking immigrants who make it all happen in the back of the house and on the floor. That’s why this event means so much to me. This event was designed to be a great party with a very important purpose. I’m incredibly grateful to all of our participating chefs, restaurants and bars for putting in their time, talent and heart to make this night unforgettable. The energy, the generosity – it’s truly amazing. A huge thank you to everyone supporting the Garces Foundation and its mission.”
Several South Philly culinary powerhouses will be cooking up their famous dishes including East Passyunk Avenue’s DaVinci & Yu, Gabriella’s Vietnam and Juana Tamale. Guests can also sample offerings from Alice and Fiorella, which both thrive on Christian Street. South Philly Barbacoa and Tamalex Bar and Grill will give a flavor from the Bella Vista neighborhood, while several other corners of South Philly will be represented with High Fidelity (1929 S. 17th St.), Los Cuatro Soles (1801 S. Chadwich St.), Philly Tacos (2011 Reed St.), Queen and Rook Game Cafe (123 South St.) and Taqueria Morales (1429 Jackson St.).
Looking to give your tastebuds a treat outside of South Philly? There are plenty of options including Amy’s Pastelillos, La Ingrata and El Bochinche. Drinks will be provided courtesy of Philadelphia Distilling, Stateside Vodka, Yards and more. All proceeds benefit the Garces Foundation to make a life-changing difference for immigrant families. For tickets, visit garcesfoundation.org.
“It’s easy to look at the plight of our immigrant community and feel helpless when it comes to making a difference,” said Foundation Board Chair David Weisberg. “Attending the Garces Foundation Benefit provides the opportunity to immerse oneself in immigrant culture, enjoy the best restaurants Philadelphia has to offer and make a real and tangible impact on the lives of our beautiful immigrant population all at the same time. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
The dynamic Latin fusion sounds of De Tierra Caliente will be on stage bringing catchy melodies, unaffected lyrics and a fusion of Latin, Caribbean, Brazilian and American rhythms.
Festivities include a new night market area with handmade crafts from members of the Philadelphia immigrant community. There will also be a wine pull, photo stations and a live and silent auction.
“The Garces Foundation Benefit is more than just a celebration of food and culture – it’s a lifeline for our work supporting Philadelphia’s immigrant community,” said Foundation Executive Director Robin Morris. “Every ticket, every bid, every toast helps fund critical medical care and educational resources like English classes and health clinics. It’s an unforgettable night that makes a real and lasting impact.”
That impact goes a long way in Philadelphia’s immigrant communities.
“Since its start, the Garces Foundation has focused on ensuring that our immigrant neighbors, particularly those working in the hospitality industry, have access to the support they need,” Garces said. “We started the organization following the death of one of my cooks from thyroid cancer. A life was lost due to a lack of access to medical care. We realized that it was vitally important to ensure that Philadelphia’s underserved immigrant community has access to vital community services it deserves.”
