Serving Up Smiles: A Chelsea Piers Tasting for Children in Hospitals
The October 26 culinary benefit at Chelsea Piers supports enCourage Kids Foundation, with Skeery Jones, Glenn Rolnick and honoree Maria Loi.
A hospital stay can interrupt much more than a child’s routine. Away from school, friends and familiar surroundings, young patients need comfort and opportunities to play alongside their medical care. That is the work behind Serving Up Smiles, enCourage Kids Foundation’s tasting benefit at Current, Pier 59 at Chelsea Piers, on Monday, October 26.
The evening brings New York’s culinary community together around the foundation’s hospital programs. Food, wine and spirits are the format; supporting children and families during hospitalization is the purpose.
Beyond the hospital room
enCourage Kids Foundation has worked to improve children’s hospital experiences since 1985. Its support includes resources and funding for pediatric hospitals, from equipment and technology to changes that make clinical spaces more welcoming. The foundation reports a network of more than 300 hospital partners nationwide.
Its programs address the hours between procedures as well as the treatment setting. Creative-arts initiatives include artist residencies and music, art and horticulture therapy. Admission and comfort kits offer activities for children arriving at the hospital, while entertainment technology helps patients stay engaged when they cannot leave their rooms. The Bear Program provides a familiar object for reassurance and preparation for procedures.
The benefit supports the organization’s continuing work. Its public announcement does not assign a fixed share of each ticket to a particular hospital or program.
The culinary community comes together
Skeery Jones, an executive producer and on-air personality with Z100’s Elvis Duran & the Morning Show, will host. Chef Glenn Rolnick, Alicart Restaurant Group’s director of culinary operations, is culinary chair.
Chef Maria Loi will receive the Culinary Community Champion Award. Loi’s Manhattan restaurant, Loi Estiatorio, reflects her focus on Greek ingredients and cooking traditions; her work also spans cookbooks and television.
The announced entertainment includes DJ CHEF and illusionist and mentalist Matias Letelier. A silent auction accompanies the tasting.
The organization behind the evening
President and CEO Jean M. Butler leads the foundation’s work with hospital administrators, community partners and staff. Her background includes leadership of The Toy Foundation. The foundation also publishes its board roster and financial information for readers considering support.
Plan your evening
Serving Up Smiles runs 6:30–9:30 p.m. on October 26, 2026, at Current, Pier 59, Chelsea Piers, New York. Use the official event website for tickets and the linked auction. Arrange admission through the organizer before attending; a calendar listing does not provide entry.
Open the event guide for the date, location and official access link.
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