NEW YORK City Harvest, the nonprofit hunger-relief organization, raised about $1 million Wednesday night at its annual gala, and honored Eric Ripert, chef and co-owner of the fine-dining restaurant Le Bernardin and TV personality Rachael Ray, among others, for their efforts to fight hunger.
The gala, which was held at Cipriani restaurant in midtown Manhattan and called an “Evening of Practical Magic,” was hosted by actor David Arquette and honored several individuals and companies, including American Express Co., clothier DKNY and Myra Gordon of the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Cooperative Association. New York City Councilwoman Christine Quinn and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer also were honored.
Le Bernardin’s Ripert was recognized for his pledge to donate to City Harvest $1 for every customer who dined at his restaurant or private-dining facilities. He also helped raise an additional $45,000 for the charity by volunteering to cook a private dinner for 26 people, a prize that attendees bid for during the event’s live auction.
The gala also raised about $50,000 for the Drivers Fund, which organizes the delivery of the food that is collected by the charity.
Founded in 1982, City Harvest is a food recovery organization that retrieves edible, unused food from restaurants and other foodservice establishments that otherwise would go to waste and distributes it to those in need.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected].
