Jersey Shore’s Exclusive Event Benefiting Families through the Ashley Lauren Foundation
Brielle, NJ – February 16, 2026 – The Ashley Lauren Foundation is proud to announce four highly anticipated foundations.Day annual Chefs who care The event is scheduled to be held on . Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 5:30 to 9:00 PM at Addison Park in Aberdeen, NJ.. Guests will enjoy this exclusive evening featuring over 40 top chefs from New York, New Jersey and New England, along with curated tastings, premium wines and cocktails, entertainment and a spectacular live auction by celebrity auctioneer Patrick Tully.
The Ashley Lauren Foundation is grateful for the generous support of: D’Artagnan – Known for its pioneering role in bringing humanely raised and sustainably produced meat to American kitchens. – and its parent company, Fortune Fish & Gourmet, is an industry leader in the meticulous sourcing, processing and distribution of premium seafood and gourmet foods. Their partnership helps make Chefs Who Care events possible.
This year the foundation celebrates its founder, D’Artagnan. Ariane Daguin its 2026 Culinary Award Winners. Her lifelong advocacy for humane farming, sustainable sourcing and culinary excellence has shaped generations of chefs and food lovers and cemented her status as a pioneer in the culinary world.
This year’s Chefs Who Care promises exquisite dining experiences created by the industry’s best chefs. Early bird tickets are $200 per person until March 14th. After that, tickets are $250 per person.
The Ashley Lauren Foundation, a beneficiary of this incredible event, has provided critical support to children with cancer and their families in New Jersey for over 20 years. “I founded the organization in 2005 based on my own experience when my daughter, Ashley Lauren, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of three,” said Monica Vermeulen, Founder and CEO. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, the Foundation provides financial, emotional and material support to ensure families have the resources they need to address childhood cancer. “We help with direct financial assistance (all household expenses, transportation to and from the hospital, funeral expenses, etc.), material support (food, clothing, household items), emotional support (for the whole family), two major parties for children and their families (Spring Party and Christmas Party on the Boardwalk), advocacy, a “Make Dreams Real” program, a birthday brigade (each child celebrates a birthday), outings, home repairs and anything else needed. This event helps with the terrible disease called childhood cancer. It will strengthen our ability to provide much-needed resources and support to the many children and families facing challenges,” Vermeulen said.
Chefs Who Care’s co-chairs are Eric Vitale, an NYC photographer and son of founder Monica Vermeulen, and culinary influencer Gennaro Pecchia. Proceeds go directly to supporting the programs and services provided by the Ashley Lauren Foundation.
Event Details:
Location: Addison Park, Aberdeen, NJ
Guest admission – 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Early bird tickets $200 until March 14th
After March 14, tickets are $250.
Tickets and Sponsorships:
Text “CWC2026” to 76278.
Or visit CWC2026.givesmart.com.
Or pay by check: The Ashley Lauren Foundation, 617 Union Avenue, Bldg. 3 Suite 27, Brielle, NJ 08730.
Ashley Lauren Foundation We are committed to providing hope and help to children with cancer and their families in New Jersey. The organization provides direct financial assistance, emotional support programs, special events and more to ensure families do not have to face cancer alone.
For more information, call 732-414-1625. Follow ashleylaurenfoundation.org for updates.
Check out the Chefs Who Care 2025 highlight video:
