2025 Chefs for UNICEF Gala
Video highlights capturing past UNICEF Galas.

Check out the video invitation for the 2025 Chefs for the UNICEF Gala, and videos from past Galas.

Join UNICEF for the 2025 Chefs for UNICEF Gala!

UNICEF Canada’s Annual Chefs for UNICEF Gala will take place on Thursday, April 24, 2025, bringing the Halifax community together to help UNICEF Canada achieve the greatest impact for children.

The Chefs for UNICEF Gala is an unforgettable evening. The event features 10 amazing and talented local chefs who collaborate to create a diverse array of dishes. Each chef hosts a food station, inviting guests to explore a variety of flavors and culinary styles in just a few steps.

The Gala showcases inspiring speakers who will share the importance of UNICEF’s work and the impact of your support. Guests can also participate in our amazing auction showcasing over 110 items, while enjoying live music. This is a moving and memorable night where you can join your community to support UNICEF’s mission to create a better world for every child.

Current world events are having deep and lasting effects on children. Decades of advances in children’s rights have recently seen heavy setbacks and have amplified the need for UNICEF’s leadership. For every child, UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to provide healthcare, nutrition, life-saving vaccines, education, protection and access to essential services. From conflict zones and disaster areas to the most remote communities, UNICEF responds to the needs of children today while strengthening the systems they will rely on in the future. The solidarity of the Halifax community in supporting these life-saving programs is more crucial than ever

Your support of the Chef’s for UNICEF Gala ensures we are able to help children, wherever they live and with whatever they need to achieve the greatest impact for children.

Event date

Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Exciting News: Silent Auction Opens April 14!

The Silent Auction opens on April 14, 2025! This is your chance to bid on over 110 incredible items before the Gala. From exclusive experiences to unique gifts, the auction offers something for everyone, all while supporting UNICEF's life-saving work for children.

Participate in the Silent Auction.

Purchase a table

Tables are available as follows:

  • Champion $25,000
  • Advocate: $10,000
  • Collaborator: $5,000
  • Humanitarian: $3,500
  • Individual Tickets: $350

To purchase a table or make a donation if you are unable to attend, please visit : Chefs for UNICEF Gala Tickets or contact:

Nikki Northern
Senior Manager, Events and Experiences
nnorthern@unicef.ca
416 482 4444 ext. 8813

CHAIR, PATRONS & COMMITTEE

Event Chair

Jeannine Bakeeff
Laura Maynard

Patrons Council

Greg Bakeeff - Senior Wealth Advisor, BMO Nesbitt Burns
Jeannine Bakeeff - Chair, UNICEF Water for Life Gala
Natasha Benigno Chandler - Vice President, Benigno Group of Companies
Jamie Berryman - Vice President, National Sales, Sysco Canada Inc.
Troy Calder - President, Charm Diamond Centres
Kim Day - President & COO, Steele Auto Group
Mark Faddoul - Director & Assistant Market Leader, BMO Private Wealth
Andrew Inch - Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Cresco
Mark Johnston – MD, Psychiatrist, True North Psychological Services
Lori Park - Partner, Atlantic Canada Market Leader, Mercer Canada

Organizing Committee

Ben Baxter
Alex Cherry
Daisy Cobden – Auction Committee Co-Chair
Alannah Delahunty-Pike
Sean Doucet – Lead Chef
Jessica Francisco
Julie Gibson
Alexandra Gosse
Zainab Khaliki
Paige McQuaid 
Alice Newbery
Matthew Orrell
Mathieu Ouellette
Wendy Phillips
Caleb Power – Auction Committee Co-Chair
Michelle Power
Colleen Robbins 
Joanna Shackleton
Mahnaz Sobhani

For further information regarding our Patrons Council & Committees, please reach out to Claire Murphy at clmurphy@unicef.ca.