Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, presents the Cleveland Autism Speaks Chef Gala. Hosted by Cleveland’s own Chef Michael Symon, this unique, culinary extravaganza features over twenty of Cleveland’s finest chefs creating their signature small plate tastings for guests.
The evening will feature special guest Iron Chef, Alex Guarnaschelli from Butter, NYC, who will join Symon on-stage for an interactive dinner preparation at the Cleveland Museum of Art on July 28.
The evening will include exclusive packages offered in silent and live auctions. While guests are entertained by Michael Symon and Alex Guarnaschelli preparing dinner live on-stage, they will enjoy a sit-down dinner and will have the opportunity to bid for a chance to sit on stage with the Iron Chefs.
The Cleveland Autism Speaks Chef Gala has become a premier culinary event, featuring the region’s most acclaimed chefs. The Cleveland Museum of Art will become an open-kitchen with the best of Cleveland’s culinary community coming together to raise funds and awareness for people with autism.
This year’s Executive Chef sponsorship (presenting level) is Giant Eagle Market District. Market District’s continued support is integral to the success of this event.
Autism Speaks will honor Michael Symon and James and Jennifer Sammon for their tireless support. These three amazing volunteers have donated their time and talent to the Cleveland Chef Gala since its inception. Because of their continuous involvement, the Cleveland Chef Gala has raised close to $1 million.
Throughout the past decade, the Cleveland and Northeast Ohio community has shown tremendous support of Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. Thanks to the tremendous support of the community, over $7 million has come back to Ohio, $724,591 in Northeast Ohio. Funding has been directed to local institutions and organizations to provide critical funding for research, education and outreach initiatives for families facing autism in our community.
Participating chefs include:
Michael Symon – Lola, Angeline, Roast, B Spot Burgers, Mabel’s BBQ
Alex Guarnaschelli – Butter
Derek Clayton and Summer Geneti – Michael Symon Restaurants
Tim Bando – Grove Hill
Joseph Lang – Moxie the Restaurant, Red the Steakhouse
Britt-Marie Culey – Cleveland Convention Center
Brian Doyle – Café Avalaun, SōwFood
Brandt Evans – Pura Vida, Blue Canyon
Anna Harouvis – Anna in the Raw, Good to Go Cafes
Jeff Jarrett – US Foods
Douglas Katz – fire food and drink, Provenance
Paul Minnillo & Matt Mytro – Flour
Brian Okin – Graffiti: A Social Kitchen, Cork & Cleaver
Carl Qualiata & Zach Ladner – Giovanni’s Ristorante
Fabio Salerno – Lago, Salerno Group
Jonathon Sawyer – Greenhouse Tavern, Noodlecat, Trentina
John Selick – Sodexo, University Hospitals
Anthony Scolaro- 111 Bistro, Trio
Mark Sherry- J. Pistone
Karen Small – Flying Fig
Vishwatji Nath- Urban Farmer
Jill Vedaa – Salt
Eric Wells- Skye LaRae’s
Rocco Whalen – Fahrenheit, Rocco
Eric Williams – Momocho, El Carnicero
Autism affects 1 in 59 children in the United States. Proceeds from the gala will fund Autism Speaks’ research, advocacy and family services initiatives on behalf of the autism community. Sponsorship opportunities are available and individual event tickets begin at $250 per person. For more information, visit autismspeaks.org/clevelandchefgala
About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 59 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $570 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 70 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.
