Housewares Charity Foundation Raises More Than $2 Million

For the fifth consecutive year, the Housewares Charity Foundation (HCF) has raised more than $2 million for charity, exceeding $2.1 million during its “Sweet 16” gala on March 4. Proceeds from the event benefited The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), the HCF’s legacy charity, along with the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and Long Island Cares Inc. – The Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Held annually in conjunction with the International Home + Housewares Show, this year’s gala honored Kathryn Bufano, president and chief merchandising officer of Belk, with the Lifetime Humanitarian Award, and Keith Jaffee of O2 Cool with the Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Six award-winning James Beard celebrity chefs prepared their signature specialties for a once-in-a-lifetime dinner for gala attendees. Participating in this unique culinary experience were Hugh Acheson of Five & Ten; Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo; Sarah Grueneberg of Spiaggia; Emily Luchetti of Farallon and Waterbar; Maricel E. Presilla of Cucharamama, Zafra and Ultramarinos; and Jacques Torres of Jacques Torres Chocolates. Along with the dinner, the evening included silent and live auctions.