Global Nonprofit Aiming to End Hunger Raises More Than $500k at NYC Gala
If you travel, you know that hunger is a global issue. And even at home, it’s quite apparent, with almost 50 million Americans experiencing food insecurity. But there is an organization working to change that.
Photos: Luisanna Tejada
WhyHunger, a global nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger and advancing the human right to nutritious food, held its annual Chapin Awards Gala at Cipriani 25 in New York City, raising $523,435 to end hunger and the injustice at its root. Comedian and talk show host Pete Dominick kicked off the night with an enthusiastic, value-packed auction, offering prizes such as a week in Tuscany with 8 friends—wine and a private chef included!
The event, which started with a cocktail mixer followed by a sit-down dinner, welcomed a diverse range of guests, all focused on making a contribution, in thought and deed, to a crisis that is only getting worse under the current political circumstances—and global geopolitical tensions.
Jenique Jones, WhyHunger’s Executive Director, is part of the LGBTQ community and framed the evening as a celebration of “the resilience of community” and the “perseverance of changemakers.” Jones is well-qualified to steer this mission: Growing up in Harlem during the crack epidemic, she witnessed firsthand the stark inequity in food access between her neighborhood and the wealthier, but nearby Upper West Side of New York City. These formative years shaped her belief that hunger is tied to systemic choices about community investment—and policy made by lawmakers. From where we sit, food insecurity is arguably the ultimate intersectional issue, just as sharing food inevitably brings people together.
GRAMMY® and Golden Globe Award-winning, Oscar-nominated singer/songwriter, activist, and acclaimed actress Andra Day was presented with the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award and dazzled guests with a performance. Also honored was four-time Peabody Award winner, MacArthur Fellow, and founder of Radiolab, Jad Abumrad, who received the Bill Ayres Social Justice Award.
Both honorees were recognized for their contributions to building a more just, hunger-free world by using their talents, voices, and stature to inspire systemic change. WhyHunger’s mission is based on the belief that nutritious food is a human right, our food systems must change, and global hunger is a solvable problem.
Music, which is a universal language, is a key part of the mission: Legendary folk-rock artist Harry Chapin was a co-founder of WhyHunger (originally named World Hunger Year) in 1975, alongside radio DJ Bill Ayres. Also a dedicated activist, Chapin believed in fighting hunger through grassroots, community-led solutions, using his music, fundraising concerts, and influence to establish the organization, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year! The main portion of the evening concluded with the entire ensemble, led by Tom Chapin (Harry’s brother) and Jen Chapin (Harry’s daughter), gathering onstage to sing the classic, “Circle.” That singalong is a decades-old tradition that brought the evening to its powerful conclusion.
Also seen enjoying the evening were Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, six-time GRAMMY®-nominated artist and actress Yola, Chopped judge Chef Amanda Freitag, therapist and influencer Shahem McLaurin, USA Today Woman of the Year recording artist and disability advocate Lachi, The Summer I Turned Pretty actor David Iacono, The Good Wife actress Rachel Hilson, Tony Award®-nominated Broadway star Melissa Errico, and her husband, former professional tennis player, broadcaster and ESPN analyst Patrick McEnroe, as well as hundreds of supporters for a cocktail reception, dinner and program – all in support of WhyHunger’s mission to end hunger and address its root causes.
Find out more about WhyHunger here and see how you can contribute to solving the global hunger crisis.
