The chef community is a very tight knit group. I believe that chefs understand one another’s struggles within the industry with balancing the high stress environment at work with their personal struggles. A close chef friend of mine of many years has a son that is autistic and reached out to me to be a part of the annual Autism Speaks Chef Gala and also to create special promotions at my restaurant where proceeds go to the organization. I’ve been involved since that day and am honored to be a part of an annual 1 night event that takes place here in Manhattan that has raised over $1.5 million each year.