Chefs nurture; that is what they do. It’s long hours on the feet, creating in service of others. So when the stakes are raised and they step away from their day-to-day busyness–often on a day off–to cook for a cause bigger than themselves, the waves they make, make change. That is what happened on April 1 when the Autism Speaks organization kicked off Autism Acceptance Month with their annual Chefs Gala. Over 50 chefs from New York City came together and cooked for the cause. Furthermore, 2025 marks the 20th Anniversary of Autism Speaks and the 18th Chefs Gala. There was a lot to celebrate.
Autism Speaks was created to offer resources and a more inclusive environment for individuals with autism and to do so throughout their lives. There’s 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults with autism in the U.S. today. The organization provides resources and tools for autistic individuals of all ages and levels of support. They connect millions of people with autism and their families to free services, support, research, innovation and advances in care.
In addition to the camaraderie felt and seen amongst the chefs around the room, being involved in this event, and this organization, was not just about doing good; for many, it is personal. Some chefs get involved year after year to help stand for an organization that has significantly improved the life of a family member or friend. For example, Chef Franklin Becker was inspired by his journey as the father of a young adult on the autism spectrum which motivated him to establish the Autism Speaks Chef Gala in 2007.
“This event is my baby,” Chef Becker said. “I was involved in building this event from the ground up and love to see how our chef community comes together year after year to make a difference for the autism community. It is really very special for me.”
Amongst the hundreds of guests in attendance at Cipriani Wall Street, chefs were spread out in sections amidst the room, each cooking for 10-12 people. Each chef served a menu of signatures while connecting with each other and their guests; all ultimately championing the cause together and celebrating the organization’s many achievements.
“As our children get older, services aren’t readily available after age 21,” mentioned Becker. “And these children who are now adults get social assistance and become a burden to society instead of a productive member of society as they want—they want to be included. Our industry has the ability, whether it be a busser, a cook, or a server, or a hostess or even a chef, to adapt and can train [them]
. If we don’t start including these individuals in industries like the culinary industry, or science or wherever their talents are in, where is society going to be?”
As the flowers bloom and the temperatures rise so too do the amount of Spring festivals and galas. There’s a lot to compete with when giving your time, energy, and food. However, for celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan, who has been making the festival circuit this spring, this is definitely one event she would not miss. “Autism is something very close to my husband, Vivek Deora’s, and my heart, as our son is on the spectrum,” she said before the event. “It means the world to me to be able to participate and try to make the world a better place for people and families with autism.”
Other chefs featured at the gala shared their personal stories and connection to Autism Speaks. Knowing that their presence at such an event can not only raise awareness but acceptance is key to chefs like Angie Rito and Scott Tacinelli, the husband-and-wife duo behind beloved New York City restaurant Don Angie and their latest, San Sabino. “Our 4-year-old son is on the spectrum, and so is our 6-year-old nephew. We’ve watched both of these boys grow and thrive because of the help of people and organizations like Autism Speaks.”
In addition to the four-course meals attendees enjoyed, guests participated in a live auction, bidding on packages that for many, were hard to pass up. It made way for energetic bidding wars that auctioneer, Patrick Tully--who participates in upwards of 250 events a year–navigated with humor, and an almost athletic rigor. He zig-zagged across the room while encouraging New Yorkers to empty their pockets. They raised $1.35 million that night and, since its inception, the Autism Speaks Chef Gala has raised over $17 million.
Auction Packages, Let the Bidding Begin
Guest bid on: A week at a private retreat on the island of Terceira the Azores; A Reservation for 3 at the “toughest table in town” at Rao’s; Donated in honor of the late Holly Feirstein and her sons Brad and Philip Scott; A 21 Course Coral Omakase Experience at Point Seven with Franklin Becker, Katsuya Fukushima, and Robby Cook; A four-night stay at Arrabelle Penthouse in Vail, Colorado; A Daniel Boulud Skybox at Restaurant Daniel; A Light Up the Blues Box 7 at The Greek Theater, with a lineup including Stephen Stills, Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts, Billy Idol, Nathaniel RateliƯ, Cat Power, Rufus Wainwright, Linda Perry, Chris Stills.
There was a lot of emotion in the room, as attendees learned about some of the many people that Autism Speaks has not only supported since childhood, but help thrive as productive, happy individuals. One in particular was A.J. Wargo, the son of Autism Speaks President and Chief Executive Officer, Keith Wargo. For the first time, A.J. took the podium in front of nearly 600 guests and talked about living on his own and working a job he thoroughly enjoys.
According to the organization, programming that highlights the intersection of autism and the hospitality industry helps emphasize the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace, as only 1 in 5 people with disabilities, including those with autism, are employed.
Chefs In Show
In addition to Culinary Chair Franklin Becker, the roster of chef included: Daniel Boulud (Daniel), Maneet Chauhan (Chauhan Ale & Masala House); Danny Garcia (Time & Tide); Fariyal Abdullahi (Hav & Mar); Gabriel Kreuther (Gabriel Kreuther); Angie Rito and Scott Tacinelli (San Sabino / Don Angie); Gabriel Kreuther; Jonathan Waxman; Chef Chris Scott, and so many more.
Proceeds from the Gala will continue to ensure all people with autism are afforded opportunities to learn, grow and succeed in directly supporting Autism Speaks’ programs in research, advocacy, and services.
“Back when my son was diagnosed, we had to create our own path and forge our way through a lot of obstacles,” Chef Becker noted. “But Autism Speaks was there for me. Participating in this event for me is a very proud moment, it’s also a very surreal moment knowing all the chefs, all my peers come out for me year in and year out for something that is near and dear to my heart. To see all these chefs cooking alongside one another is nothing short of an amazing experience.”