As soon as I got the notification that theย 2025 Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund Benefit was happening again this year, I immediately texted my friend โ the same one Iโd gone with the year before โ and said, โThat amazing food fundraiser at Chelsea Market is back โ we have to go.โ
The event once again brought together an incredible lineup of talent โ over 150 of New York Cityโs top chefs, artisans, and mixologists โ all under one roof at Chelsea Market. The goal was to raise funds for farm apprenticeships and support the fight against leukemia through the American Society for Leukemia Foundation Fund.
Chelsea Market is such a fun venue and always delivers on vibes. With three levels packed with food, drinks, and people who care deeply about community, sustainability, and flavor, it felt more like a celebration than a fundraiser. Most of the marketโs permanent restaurants were involved, and the additional guest vendors made the experience feel fresh even for those of us whoโd attended before.
Provided by the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund website, taken in 2024
Now, there was no way I could hit up every booth โ but believe me, we tried. From handmade pasta to elevated comfort food, from thoughtfully plated small bites to rich desserts, every table brought something unique. And of course, drinks were flowing all night โ both classic and creative โ from some of the best bartenders in the city.
We kicked off the evening in the VIP Lounge, hosted by Andy King and presented by Titoโs Vodka. The espresso martinis โ made with Titoโs and Joe Coffee โ were dangerously good. And speaking of Andy Kingโฆ I completely embarrassed myself by walking up to him without realizing who he was and saying, โYou look so familiar.โ He just smiled and said, โProbably from a little documentary about Fyre Festival on Netflix.โ A true icon โ and such a good sport.
Beyond the food and the fun, the event had real heart. It honored Anne Saxelbyโs legacy by funding fully paid apprenticeships on sustainable farms for young adults. Since 2021, the fund has supported over 250 apprentices across 60 farms in 24 states โ and 75% of alumni are now working in food, agriculture, or environmental fields. It wasnโt just about celebrating food โ it was about building the future of it.
While the night was very much about the food, it was important to know that we were dining for a cause โ experiencing incredible bites from Chelsea Market all in one evening, while supporting a bigger mission. Donations help fully fund monthlong apprenticeships on sustainable farms across the U.S., allowing young adults to build meaningful careers in food, agriculture, and environmental work.
The auction and raffle added an extra layer of excitement, with people bidding on once-in-a-lifetime restaurant experiences and dream-worthy travel packages. Everyone seemed genuinely invested in both the cause and the moment.
It was a meaningful, delicious, and beautifully organized evening โ a perfect tribute to Anne Saxelbyโs vision and a reminder of how powerful food can be when it brings people together for a greater purpose. If you want to support the fund and help future generations of sustainable farmers and food artisans, consider donating or attending next yearโs benefit. Itโs truly an experience that feeds the soul.
