The Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance (MANNA) is set to celebrate its 35th anniversary with a grand event designed to showcase its significant contributions to the Greater Philadelphia area.
Scheduled for Thursday, September 25, the evening promises an ‘evening of elegance, culinary excellence, and community impact’ as MANNA raises funds to continue its mission.
The celebration will take place at The Bellevue Hotel’s Grand Belle Ballroom located at 200 South Broad Street. Attendees can expect an exciting program filled with memorable experiences to honor MANNA’s legacy.
Founded in 1990 amidst the AIDS pandemic, MANNA emerged from grassroots efforts by the First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia.
In response to the pressing needs of the time, volunteers began delivering meals to neighbors afflicted by illness and isolation, leading to the establishment of a dedicated nonprofit organization.
Today, MANNA stands as a leader in evidence-based nutrition services, expanding its role over the years to include not just meal deliveries, but also hands-on cooking classes and nutrition counseling.
“We are so grateful to have longstanding partners in Philadelphia’s amazing chef and arts communities, who are helping us carry out this inspiring, entertaining 35th Anniversary Celebration that will bring further awareness to and support for MANNA’s work,” shared Sue Daugherty, CEO of MANNA.
“The vision established 35 years ago has evolved into a movement demonstrating that food truly is medicine,” she remarked, reflecting on the organization’s growth and future goals.
The anniversary gala will feature a curated menu crafted by acclaimed local chefs.
Eli Kulp, co-owner of High Street Hospitality Group and host of “The Chef Radio Podcast,” will join forces with Nok Suntaranon, the acclaimed chef and owner of Kalaya, who received the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic award in 2023.
Together, they will present a family-styled dinner menu, complemented by a cocktail reception for event attendees.
In addition to these culinary delights, the evening will offer an array of desserts and food stations provided by a diverse group of talented chefs, including Alice, Frankie Ramirez (of Amá), Jesse Amoroso (of Amoroso Baking), Victor Nguyen (of Ba Le Bakery), Tyler Akin (of Bastia), Jenn Carroll (of Carroll Couture Cuisine), Muhammad Abdul-Hadi (of Down North), Justine MacNeil (of Fiore Fine Foods), Lisa Shoenbeck (of Good Good Chocolates), Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate (of Honeysuckle), Saif Manna (of Manna Bakery), Jimmy Rubino (of Ralph’s), Christina Martinez (of South Philly Barbacoa), along with chefs from MANNA and Cescaphe.
The evening will be emceed by Emmy Award-winning NBC10 anchor and reporter Jacqueline London.
She will lead a live auction and luxury raffle, adding to the festive atmosphere of the celebration.
Guests will be entertained by performances from John Jarboe and The Bearded Ladies Cabaret, enhancing the celebratory mood.
Moreover, the event will incorporate special moments dedicated to honoring MANNA’s 35-year legacy in improving health outcomes through its philosophy of utilizing food as medicine for countless individuals in need.
As MANNA looks to the future, the organization is committed to innovating and expanding its vital services for another 35 years and beyond.
image source from：metrophiladelphia
