Every now and then I get an email that really resonates with me. Sometimes I can’t put my finger on it, but in this case it hit me square in the face.
In 2010, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and it shattered my world. Full discloser- she appears to have beaten the beast and has been in remission for several years now, but I was young, confused, and devastated: A 24 year old finishing up school and an 8 hour drive away my family. Deep down, I knew it was something that would be beaten, but the experience was one that still brings me to tears.
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Fast forward to just last week, when I was invited to SHARE’s 11th Annual “A Second Helping of Life” event at Chelsea Piers where top female chefs serve up their signature dishes in an effort to fight cancer. For those of you who are unfamiliar, SHARE is a non-profit organization that offers free peer support to women with breast or ovarian cancer, their families and friends. It is an organization that I wish I knew about 4 years ago.
Everyone knows someone affected by cancer. It seems to be an endless battle that we face, but with your donations and the research of medical professionals world-wide we are making incredible progress to uncover preventative measures, develop treatments, and hopefully find a cure.
With Breast Cancer Awareness Month right around the corner, I urge you all to share this post, rally the troops, and donate. Remember- ever dollar counts and no effort goes unnoticed.
If you or a loved one is is seeking support, check out Sharecancersupport.org and read further to learn about their New York City-based event this month.
Featuring Chef April Bloomfield & NBC Weekend News Anchor Pat Battle as Host
New York, NY – August 13, 2014 - Over two dozen of NYC’s top female chefs will serve savory and sweet dishes at the 11th Annual “A Second Helping of Life” benefit on Monday, September 22, 6 p.m., at Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers. Chef April Bloomfield, owner and head chef of The Spotted Pig, The Breslin Bar and Dining room and The John Dory Oyster Bar (below, left) will serve as Executive Chef and NBC Weekend News anchor and breast cancer survivor Pat Battle (below, middle) will serve as host at this fundraiser to support SHARE, a non-profit organization that offers free peer support to women with breast or ovarian cancer, their families and friends. Activities include a tasting reception and live and silent auctions. For information call 212-937-5584 or visit www.sharebenefit.org.
A Second Helping of Life has become an annual fall event in New York City, with top chefs and local celebrities marking their calendars to attend every year. Top chefs create delicious dishes, from desserts to seafood and more, to serve at the annual A Second Helping of Life event. Guests can sample savory tastings from a diverse mix of top New York women chefs without having to make a reservation at a top restaurant!
Chef Rebecca Charles of Pearl Oyster Bar is a top chef who has been involved with the event from the beginning and serves her signature lobster roll every year. Charles has jokingly said that any time she’s suggested serving something else, the response has been “one of horror.” Newer additions to the participating chefs list include The Beatrice Inn’s Angie Mar, Momofuku Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi, and Shalom Japan’s Sawako Okochi.
“It’s the best food in New York – cooked, made and invented by women,” said award-winning actress Kathleen Chalfant, who has participated as a sous chef from the beginning. The event has raised over $3.5 million for SHARE, enabling this organization to continue to support those affected by breast or ovarian cancer. Individual tickets are $325, $500 and $750. Tables of 8 and 10 are priced from $5,000 up to $35,000.
