CFBNJ Hosts First-Ever Meal On a Mission: A Chef's Tableside Experience, Raising $200,000 to Fight Hunger

On Friday, June 12, 2026, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) hosted its first annual Meal on a Mission: A Chef’s Tableside Experience at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. The brand-new culinary event raised over $200,000, the equivalent of more than 600,000 meals, bringing together community leaders, corporate partners, chefs, and supporters to benefit CFBNJ’s hunger relief efforts in South Jersey.

Nearly 200 guests attended, and the evening featured a cocktail hour showcasing CFBNJ’s professional commissary team, a curated four-course dining experience prepared tableside by premier local chefs and casino restaurant partners for tables of 24 guests each, a silent auction offering exclusive items and experiences, and a dessert reception. The evening celebrated community, culinary excellence, and philanthropy while raising critical funds to support the organization's mission.

"Meal on a Mission reflects the power of partnership in addressing food insecurity," said Elizabeth McCarthy, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. "The extraordinary support from our sponsors, donors, and guests will help strengthen our efforts to ensure that more of our neighbors have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive."

The event was made possible through the generous support of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, which donated both financially and provided its unparalleled venue, as well as invaluable in-kind contributions and logistical support to bring our event vision to life. The Casino Association of New Jersey also provided financial support and helped drive strong participation from the gaming and hospitality industries. Both organizations served as Culinary Visionary Sponsors for the evening.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and the Casino Association of New Jersey each presented $50,000 checks to support the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, contributing a total of $100,000 to support the organization's efforts to fight hunger across New Jersey.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Community Impact Award to Spencer Gifts | Spirit Halloween in recognition of five years of partnership and more than $500,000 in cumulative support of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Spencer Gifts | Spirit Halloween also served as the event's Grand Reserve Sponsor, while Caesars Entertainment Atlantic City was recognized as the Executive Chef Sponsor.

Over the past five years, Spencer Gifts | Spirit Halloween’s support has also extended beyond philanthropy to include volunteer service, community drives, in-kind donations, and meaningful engagement that has strengthened CFBNJ’s ability to serve those in need.

The evening’s unforgettable dining experience was made possible by 15 talented chefs and their culinary teams, who generously donated their time, talent, and exceptional cuisine in support of CFBNJ’s mission.

Chef Paul Kapner Community FoodBank of New Jersey | Stone Soup

Chef Howard Stilianessis Borgata Hotel & Casino | B-Prime

Caesars Entertainment Chef Al Hughes Chef Chris Lee Chef Ruben Espinal Featured Restaurants: Chelsea Five Gastropub, Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay Steak, La Strada at the Shore

Chef Daniel Sanchez Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino | Vic & Anthony’s

Chef Tim Hamill Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City | Council Oak

Chef Jose Lara Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City | Il Mulino

Chef Leslie Daniels Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City | Kuro

Chef Christopher Corda Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City | Sitar

Chef Jeff Braun Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City | Director of Culinary Operations

Chef David Goldstein Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey (ACFPCASJ) | Chapter President

Chef Larry Alexander Atlantic City Convention Center & Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall | Executive Chef

Chef Chris Anderson Core Foodservice | Food Broker

Chef Michael D'Angelo Executive Pastry Chef | Classic Cake

Nicole Callazzo Bar 32 | Owner/Operator

Rebecca Juzwiak Johnson’s Popcorn | Vice President

Monika Brown Luscious & Sweet Gourmet Bakery | Executive Pastry Sous Chef

Chef Thaddeus DuBois Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City | Executive Pastry Chef