Chef Lidia Bastianich, an Emmy Award-winning TV host, cookbook author and restaurateur, is coming to the Shore.
Bastianich will be honored during “Chefs Who Care,” a fundraiser taking place Tuesday, April 29, at Addison Park in Aberdeen. The event is a benefit for The Ashley Lauren Foundation, a Brielle-based nonprofit organization that helps the families of children battling cancer.
Entertainer and auctioneer Billy Harris will be the evening’s master of ceremonies.
“Having Lidia Bastianich and Billy Harris be part of this event is a true honor,” said Monica Vermeulen, the foundation’s founder and CEO, in a news release. “Their passion and generosity align perfectly with our mission to bring hope and relief to families facing pediatric cancer.”
Chef Lidia Bastianich, pictured in 2013, will be honored during The Ashley Lauren Foundation’s upcoming Chefs Who Care event in Aberdeen.
“This event promises to be an unforgettable evening of great food, heartfelt stories, and incredible support for our cause,” said Vermeulen, who founded the Ashley Lauren Foundation in 2005 in honor of her daughter, who survived kidney cancer as a 3-year-old.
“Chefs Who Care” will feature food prepared by more than two dozen chefs from New Jersey, New York and beyond, including Biagio Settepani of Bruno’s Bakery & Gelateria in Freehold Township, Mike Smithling of Judy & Harry’s in Asbury Park, Emiliano Graci of Half Moon in Keansburg, and Jessica Bucceri of JB Couture Cupcakes in Neptune City.
Lue’s Brew, a Freehold Township-based soda and coffee business, also will be in attendance.
How to attend ‘Chefs Who Care’
The fundraiser takes place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at Addison Park, 150 Route 35 in Aberdeen.
General admission costs $150 per person. VIP admission, which includes early access at 5 p.m., costs $200 per person.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 732-414-1625, text “CWC2025” to 76278 or visit CWC2025.givesmart.com.
Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to sgriesemer@gannettnj.com, follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to her weekly newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Celebrity Chef Lidia Bastianich is coming to the Shore
