34th Annual Chefs for UNICEF Gala Halifax
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | Halifax, NS
The 34th annual Chefs for UNICEF Gala is the Maritimes’ most inspiring culinary event where extraordinary food meets extraordinary purpose. Twelve top regional Chefs come together to curate a one-of-a-kind tasting experience across curated food stations for 600 of the Maritimes’ most influential business and philanthropic leaders. The evening is about more than just its amazing food – it’s about community, connection and change.
Our goal for 2026 is to raise $500,000 to support life-changing efforts in child health and nutrition, education, water and protection.
Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?
Align your brand with a global movement for children. As a sponsor, you’ll join an incredible community of supporters committed to making a tangible difference.
Interested in Donating to our Auction?
Our auction helps raise roughly $50,000 annually for UNICEF’s life-changing programs for children. Each year, we showcase exclusive art, culinary experiences, and luxury items generously donated by our community.
Want to contribute? Donate an item or experience and help change lives.
Reach out to:
Nikki Northern
Director of Strategic Engagement & Experiential Partnerships
Nnorthern@unicef.ca
What To Expect
Announcing our All Star Lineup!
UNICEF Canada is proud to announce these remarkable Maritime Chefs - leaders who are donating their craft, their time, and their hearts to help raise life-changing funds for children. Each Chef will be curating their own menus which showcase their signature dishes.
Elevated Tasting Journey
Global Bartender of the Year (2024), Keegan McGregor, of the beloved Highwayman, will be joining us to craft exclusive Signature Cocktails with proceeds proudly supporting UNICEF. We are also thrilled to welcome celebrated Sommelier, Alana Steele, who will be pairing wines thanks to our generous Wine Sponsor, Harvest.
Relive the Magic
Last years 33rd Annual Gala was a stunning success, bring together hundreds of guests for an evening of food, friendship and philanthropy. With incredible record-breaking generosity, the Halifax community made a global difference – raising funds to help UNICEF deliver life-saving aid and long-term solutions to children everywhere.
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE?
Do you believe in the power of food and community to create meaningful change? Chefs for UNICEF isn’t just a celebration of culinary talent, it’s a platform that helps ensure children around the world have the chance to grow, learn, and thrive.
If you’re interested in creating impactful change, reach out to:
Nikki Northern, Director of Strategic Engagement and Experiential Partnerships
Current Executive Members
Event Chairs
Laura Maynard - Manager, LearnSphere Canada Inc
Colleen Robbins
Fundraising Committee
Greg Bakeeff - Senior Wealth Advisor, BMO Nesbitt Burns
Jeannine Bakeeff – Advocate, Philanthropist
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
Lori Park - Partner, Atlantic Canada Market Leader, Mercer Canada
Auction Committee
Daisy Cobden – Auction Co-Chair - Volunteer Manager, Ronald McDonald House Maritimes
Matthew Orrell – Auction Co-Chair - Tax Lawyer, McInnis Cooper
Carys Burgess - Senior Advisory, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Alex Cherry - Principal, Bienvenu Consulting
Alannah Delahunty-Pike - Research Associate, IWK Health
Sean Doucet
Julie Gibson
Margo MacFarlane
Alice Newbery
Christy Robson - Community Giving Specialist at Ronald McDonald House
Mahnaz Roshan
Wendy Phillips - Owner, Phillips PR
Young Professionals Committee
Esther Alu - Founder & CEO, PenBreeze Marketing
Ben Baxter - Associate Advisor, Himmelman & Associates Financial Advisory
Nick Berryman - Project Manager, Mill-Right Woodworking
Alexandra Gosse - Corporate and Energy & Natural Resources Lawyer, McInnis Cooper
Aarushi Kashyap - Legal Assistant, McInnis Cooper
Mathieu Ouellette - Investment Advisor, BMO Nesbitt Burns