New York, NY – Food, philanthropy, and feel-good energy filled the air at Current in Chelsea Piers as the enCourage Kids Foundation hosted its 11th Annual Serving Up Smiles on October 27, 2025, with the help of Indra Public Relations. The evening marked a milestone celebration — 40 years of the foundation’s mission to make hospitals “a better place to get better” for children nationwide.
Guests were treated to an unforgettable night of culinary excellence and community impact, with signature dishes from New York City’s top chefs and restaurants, fine wines and spirits, and exciting auction experiences — all benefiting pediatric hospital programs. It was also an opportunity for guests to take home once-in-a-lifetime experiences and collectibles, all while supporting a meaningful cause.
From signed sports memorabilia to VIP experience packages, the auction floor buzzed with excitement as attendees placed their bids to benefit pediatric hospital programs nationwide.
Guests had the chance to score big with autographed footballs, baseballs, and jerseys from New York’s most beloved teams — including the Giants, Jets, Knicks, and Rangers.
Hosted by Ryan Field of ABC7 NY, with Chef Glenn Rolnick (Carmine’s/Virgil’s BBQ) serving as Culinary Chair, the evening honored Mike Puma, founder of Gotham Burger Social Club, as the first-ever recipient of the Culinary Community Champion Award for his philanthropic work in the culinary world.
“A Winning Formula”
For enCourage Kids Foundation CEO Jean Butler, this year’s event represented more than just a milestone — it was a testament to the power of community and connection.
“This is our 11th annual Serving Up Smiles event, and they keep getting better and better,” Butler shared. “Tonight is especially meaningful because we’re giving our very first Culinary Community Champion Award to Mike Puma of Gotham Burger Social Club. It’s a way for us to celebrate our supporters while building a sense of community among chefs and restaurants.”
Butler emphasized that the event’s magic lies in its universal appeal, where food and philanthropy merge seamlessly.
“We’re really trying to maximize the universal appeal of food and make giving a social activity,” she said. “It’s about camaraderie, conversation, eating, drinking — and the vibes here are always so good. We think we’ve found a winning formula.”
A Taste of Purpose
The night featured standout bites from Bryant Park Grill, Carmine’s, Hunt & Fish Club, Ocean Prime, Sfoglia, Loi Estiatorio, Sushi Yolo, One Rare Italian Steakhouse, One If By Land – Two If By Sea, and more. Beverage partners like JUSTIN Vineyards, FIJI Water, Cooperstown Distillery, and Zyr Vodka kept spirits high throughout the evening.
For chefs like Admir Alibasic, owner of One Rare Italian Steakhouse, the event is a yearly highlight — and a meaningful way to give back.
“If you can raise money by just donating time and food, then why not?” Alibasic said. “I’ve been doing this for nearly ten years now, and it’s always for a great cause.”
His dish for the evening — a surf-and-turf-inspired steak and crab cake combo — was designed to reflect the event’s waterfront setting.
“I change it up every year,” he added. “This one just felt right — being by the water, it fits perfectly.”
A First Taste for a Great Cause
For Gieto Nicaj, owner of One If By Land, Two If By Sea, this was his first year participating — and he didn’t hesitate to get involved once he learned about the foundation’s mission.
“When I was asked to participate, I didn’t even hesitate,” Nicaj said. “If it’s for children, I’m all in. Now that I know more about enCourage Kids, I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
Nicaj served his restaurant’s signature Beef Wellington, a dish that’s been on his menu since day one.
“Food has a way of bringing people together — whether it’s for a celebration, a bad day, or a good cause,” he said. “It makes people happy. It’s the easiest fix.”
A Night to Remember
From chefs and restaurateurs to athletes and media personalities like Skeery Jones, Danielle Monaro, and Gandhi from The Elvis Duran Morning Show, the event brought together an impressive crowd united by a shared purpose.
As guests mingled, sipped, and sampled, one thing was clear: Serving Up Smiles continues to prove that when great food meets a great cause, everyone leaves a little more inspired — and with a full heart (and stomach).
For More Information on how to support enCourage Kids Foundation, you can access it here: https://encourage-kids.org/
