The MANNA 35th Anniversary Celebration with a Cause

The MANNA 35th Anniversary Brings Philly’s Best to the Table

Philadelphia’s culinary and compassionate hearts beat as one on Thursday, September 25, 2025, for the MANNA 35th Anniversary celebration. Set in the opulent Grand Belle Ballroom at The Bellevue Hotel, this milestone event commemorates 35 years of the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance’s unwavering mission: delivering medically tailored meals to individuals battling critical illness.

The MANNA 35th Anniversary gala is a gathering of purpose. With more than a million meals prepared and delivered annually by its passionate staff and volunteers, MANNA’s “Food Is Medicine” model stands at the forefront of nutritional therapy. This model supports people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses with meals designed to heal and empower. The evening will serve as a testament to MANNA’s role as a Food Is Medicine Coalition Accredited Agency, proving that proper nutrition is as vital as any prescription.

With a fundraising goal set at one million dollars, the event is equally about impact and indulgence. Co-chaired by two culinary giants—Eli Kulp of High Street Hospitality and Nok Suntaranon of Kalaya—the night features a cocktail reception, a refined family-style dinner, and a decadent showcase of desserts from Philadelphia’s top chefs. The MANNA 35th Anniversary is a celebration of legacy and nourishment—on every level.

The MANNA 35th Anniversary Celebration: A Star-Studded Night of Food, Art, and Philanthropy

This year’s MANNA 35th Anniversary dinner is a star-powered showcase of Philadelphia’s rich culinary tapestry. Guests will dine on curated creations from chefs such as Frankie Ramirez (Amá), Jesse Amoroso (Amoroso Baking), Victor Nguyen (Ba Le Bakery), Tyler Akin (Bastia), Jenn Carroll (Carroll Couture Cuisine), and Christina Martinez (South Philly Barbacoa), among others. The desserts alone promise to dazzle, with treats from Good Good Chocolates, Machine Shop, Honeysuckle, and MANNA’s own team rounding out the experience.

The festivities will be hosted by the ever-elegant Jacqueline London of NBC10, whose voice has become a fixture in Philadelphia homes. The evening will include a spirited live auction and luxury raffle, alongside captivating performances from John Jarboe and The Bearded Ladies Cabaret—ensuring guests leave full of both food and feeling.

But more than the fine dining and entertainment, the MANNA 35th Anniversary event is a beacon of what’s possible when a city comes together. From its humble beginnings in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church during the HIV/AIDS crisis to becoming a national leader in nutrition-driven healthcare, MANNA has never strayed from its founding vision: food as compassion, food as medicine.

CEO Sue Daugherty perfectly captured the evening’s spirit: “As we honor MANNA’s past and celebrate our growth, we are inspired to continue shaping the future of the food is medicine movement.”

Tickets, tables, and sponsorships are available now at mannapa.org/cheers. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this historic evening, where every bite brings hope and healing to those who need it most.

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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