Jose Garces Kicks Off Summer School Culinary Classes!
Summer School at Volvér kicks off with the culinary opportunity of a lifetime! Join Iron Chef Jose Garces when he leads an intimate master-class for 12 lucky students. Guests will work alongside the James Beard award winner to prepare a menu of recipes selected by Chef Garces himself. This hands-on lesson will feature tips, techniques and tools straight from the modern master of Latin cuisine. Currently, Chef Garces is the owner and operator of more than a dozen restaurants across the country, plus a thriving event planning division and 40-acre Luna Farm. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from one of the country’s most gifted chefs and restaurateurs! $225/person. For tickets and the full schedule of events visit volverrestaurant.com.
Embracing the Contemporary: The Keith L. and Katherine Sachs Collection at the Philadelphia Art Museum
This month the Philadelphia Museum of Art will open a major exhibition entitled Embracing the Contemporary: The Keith L. and Katherine Sachs Collection. The exhibition will present one of this country’s finest collections of contemporary art, which includes outstanding works by some of the most influential European and American artists of the past half century, including Jasper Johns, Howard Hodgkin, Ellsworth Kelly, Jeff Koons, Brice Marden, Bruce Nauman, Gabriel Orozco, Charles Ray, and Cy Twombly. Many of these works have either been donated to the Museum or pledged as promised gifts.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Fundraiser Lemonade Days
2016 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Lemon Roll Benefitting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
In her continuing efforts to raise funds and awareness for the fight against childhood cancer, Leeann Morris is hosting the 2016 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Lemon Roll during Alex’s Lemonade Days on Sunday, June 5 through Sunday, June 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Leeann has been busy recruiting other academies, gyms and sponsors to participate in the Lemon Roll. Her national network of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners will participate by holding their own fundraising events to raise money toward her goal of $4,000. The event will take place at World Class Martial Arts located at 2133 Macdade Boulevard.
Alex’s Original Lemonade Stand
Each June, on the Saturday of Alex’s Lemonade Days weekend, Alex’s “Original” Lemonade Stand is held. The stand invites Alex’s family, friends and all supporters of the battle against childhood cancer to an event complete with lemonade, food, games, crafts, face-painting, music and raffles. The inspiring event, held at Penn Wynne Elementary where Alex attended, includes a butterfly release to celebrate the lives of all children fighting cancer as well as those who lost their life to the disease. This year the stand will take place on June 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Alex’s “Original” is presented by Country Time and Volvo, with additional support from GEICO local office of Wynnewood, PA, Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms, Sila Heating & Air Conditioning, Dr. Ian Thomas-Springfield Orthodontics and Sabrina’s Café. The event is free to attend, but supporters can purchase Alex’s All Access passes, including a t-shirt, to cover all donations for activities and food; for more information visit: www.alexslemonade.org.
11th Annual Great Chefs Event
On Tuesday, June 14, more than 45 of the best chefs from across the country and around the world will convene in Philadelphia for the 11th annual Great Chefs Event hosted by the Vetri Family restaurants and Vetri Community Partnership. The event will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and Vetri Community Partnership. More than 1,200 guests will gather from 6-9 p.m. at the beautiful Urban Outfitters, Inc.’s corporate campus in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard for the culinary event of the year. The party will continue into the night at the equally in-demand After Party at Lo Spiedo for chefs, sponsors and VIP ticketholders. General admission and VIP tickets are currently on sale at www.vetricommunity.org.
In addition to the stellar selection of food and drink, guests will have the opportunity to bid on silent and live auction items. Auction items include one-of-kind culinary experiences, such as private dinners with participating chefs, hard-to- get concert tickets, autographed memorabilia, and much more.
At the Great Chefs Event After Party at Lo Spiedo, VIP ticketholders and sponsors of the event will have the exclusive opportunity to rub elbows with all of the event’s talented chefs in a laid back setting. Acclaimed barbecue chef Adam Perry Lang will be behind the grill once again, joined for the first time by James Bead Award Outstanding Chef finalist Michael Solomonov who will be representing Federal Donuts. After Party guests can also count on additional bites from select food trucks and vendors, as well as specialty cocktails and entertainment.
Sponsors Show Their Support
Several of ALSF’s sponsors will host fundraisers throughout the month of June providing supporters with alternative ways to get involved. Below is a selection of sponsor fundraising efforts, with a full list available at AlexsLemonade.org.
ACME – From June 3-16, 178 ACME stores will sell paper lemons to support the Foundation. Select stores will also host lemonade stands to contribute to a cure.
ALEX AND ANI | CHARITY BY DESIGN® – From June 1-19, ALEX AND ANI will donate 15% of the purchase price from each sale item on the alexandani.com Charity Sale Page back to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. In addition, more than 50 retail and partner retail locations across the country will host lemonade stands on Saturday, June 11.
Applebee’s – The Rose Group (Applebee’s franchisee) will host the 10th annual charity classic at Talamore Country Club to benefit ALSF on Monday, June 13.
babyGap – babyGap has launched an exclusive collection of baby and toddler apparel. The collection includes a selection of six tees and onesies with the message “When Life Gives You Lemons…Make a Lemonade Stand.” One hundred percent of the net profits from sales of these six pieces will be donated to ALSF. Available now online and at select Gap stores around the world.
Beneficial Bank – 62 Beneficial Bank locations across the Philadelphia area will host lemonade stands to contribute to a cure during Alex’s Lemonade Days (June 10-12, 2016).
CBS3 – Along with hosting a telethon in Philadelphia to kick off Alex’s Lemonade Days on Thursday, June 9, CBS3’s documentary “Alex Scott: A Stand for Hope” will air in several markets across the country throughout the summer.
Famous Footwear – From May 29-June 12 over 100 Famous Footwear locations in DE, NJ, NY and PA will be hosting stands and fundraising at the register. Make a donation and receive $10 off a purchase of $50.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill – In addition to contributing year-round donations of $1.25 for every lemonade sold, all 39 Firebirds Wood Fired Grill locations will host Alex’s Lemonade Stands June 10-12, 2016.
Florida’s Natural – For the second year, Florida’s Natural is teaming up with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. For every carafe of Florida’s Natural Lemonade purchased, all of the proceeds will be donated to ALSF.
Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association – 11 hotels throughout the city of Philadelphia will host Alex’s Lemonade Stands during Alex’s Lemonade Days, June 10-12, 2016.
Papa John’s – Participating Papa John’s stores in PA, NJ and DE will offer 40% off regular menu price pizzas and then 10% of the net sales will be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation until September 30, 2016. Enter promo code ALSF at papajohns.com.
Power Home Remodeling Group – Power Home Remodeling Group will be fundraising throughout the month of June, known internally as “Alex’s Month.” They will hold lemonade stands at corporate headquarters and satellite offices, in addition to many other employee fundraising activities including a social impact concept called “Make Lemonade” where all employees are encouraged to pay Alex’s mission forward through random acts of kindness throughout the nation.
Red Robin – All company-owned and participating franchise Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews restaurants nationwide donate a portion of proceeds from each Freckled Lemonade beverage sold year round as well as all Freckled Lemonade proceeds from grand opening week at new restaurant openings.
Saxbys – 33 Saxbys locations will feature 4 specially made lemonades, with 20% of the proceeds benefitting ALSF.
Snap Kitchen – Will be donating 100% of the proceeds from their Spicy Basil Lemonade at all locations in the Philadelphia area throughout Alex’s Lemonade Days, June 10-12, 2016.
Starbucks – Starbucks locations in Delaware, the Kansas City Metro area, the Los Angeles metro area, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will be hosting Alex’s Lemonade Stands throughout Alex’s Lemonade Days, June 10-12, 2016.
Toll Brothers, Inc. – Over 120 Toll Brothers properties will host lemonade stands at select locations in CA, CT, DE, FL, MI, NJ, NY, NC, PA, TX, and WA June 10-12, depending on the region. Please call your local Toll Brothers community for more information.
UPS – Nearly 30 UPS Store locations in the Tri-State Philadelphia area will host a Lemonade Stand in honor of Alex’s Lemonade Days taking place June 10-12, 2016. Participating UPS Store locations in the Tri-State Philadelphia Area have raised over $30,000 hosting lemonade stands since 2012.
Volvo Cars of North America – Volvo will have a presence at Alex’s “Original” Lemonade Stand in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, where they will draw the raffle winner for a brand new 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD. All proceeds will be donated to ALSF. Additionally, with the purchase of every new Volvo, participating Volvo retailers will donate $10 to ALSF.
To kick off the Great Chefs Event festivities, Marc Vetri is hosting an intimate six-course dinner with wine pairings for 18 in the private dining room of Vetri Ristorante with acclaimed Boston chef and James Beard Award-winner Tony Maws of Craigie on Main and Kirkland Tap & Trotter. Limited tickets to this event are on sale at www.vetricommunity.org.
J Biz Markie, Barbecue, Donuts and Hot Fried Chicken at the Great Chefs Event After Party Outside of Lo Spiedo The 11th Annual Great Chefs Event continues into the night with special chef guests Adam Perry Lang, Michael Solomonov and Kevin Sbraga. Entertainment provided by hip hop legend and DJ, Biz Markie
Philadelphia, PA (May 12, 2015) – With a reputation nearly as big as the main event, the Great Chefs Event After Party is back at Lo Spiedo for the second year in a row with exciting new talent. A limited number of tickets are available for the After Party, which will take place on Tuesday, June 14th from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., immediately following the 11th Annual Great Chefs Event. Tickets can be purchased at www.vetricommunity.org until they sell out.
The evening’s theme of delicious food and drink will continue with late-night bites provided by award-winning barbecue chef and After Party mainstay Adam Perry Lang (author of Serious Barbecue, BBQ25, and Charred & Scruffed), along with After Party newcomers and Philly favorites, Michael Solomonov (Zahav, Abe Fisher, Percy Street Barbecue, Dizengoff and Federal Donuts) and Kevin Sbraga (Sbraga, The Fat Ham, and Sbraga & Company). They’ll be serving dishes synonymous with their acclaimed restaurants – smoked short rib, donuts and hot fried chicken, respectively.
DJing at the After Party for the first time is hip hop legend, Biz Markie, who rose to fame in the late 1980s by weaving catchy lyrics, beatboxing and comedy into his music. His best-known song, “Just a Friend,” was a 1989 Billboard Hot 100 top-10 hit. Today, Biz can be found DJing and performing in clubs and concert venues all over the world and making appearances on television shows. His credits include VH1′s “Celebrity Fit Club”, Nick Jr’s “Yo Gabba Gabba,” Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and more.
Vetri Family’s Chef Brad Spence will continue the annual Vetri tradition of presenting an epic mortadella at the event. In collaboration with Victory Brewing Co., Spence will prepare the giant mortadella with the goal of beating last year’s 230 lb. weight by stuffing pork into a natural casing and cooking it in a fermenting cask for 24 hours at the brewery. The giant mortadella will be transported to Lo Spiedo for the after party and served with mayo and hot pepper relish.
Culinary partners for the Great Chefs Event After Party include Julius Silvert, Baldor, Samuels & Sons, DiBruno Bros., and Niman Ranch. The Chef’s Warehouse and Starr Restaurants are the official After Party sponsors.
The Great Chefs Event After Party is an annual tradition for participating chefs, sponsors, volunteers, and after party ticketholders to relax and have fun in an atmosphere usually reserved for industry insiders. The festivities are a way for the Vetri Community Partnership and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to thank everyone who makes the Great Chefs Event a continued success.
Access to the Great Chefs Event After Party is limited to participating chefs, sponsors and After Party Access ticket holders. Only 100 After Party Access tickets are available, with about a quarter of those already sold. After Party Access tickets include entrance to the Great Chefs Event and can be purchased for $525 each through www.vetricommunity.org.
Sponsorship opportunities begin at $1,000 and include access to the After Party. For information on how to become a sponsor, contact Genevieve Lynch at the Vetri Community Partnership at genevieve@vetricommunity.org or 215-600-2630.