33rd Annual Chefs for UNICEF Gala Halifax

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 33rd Annual Chefs for UNICEF Gala in Halifax, held on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The evening brought together the Halifax community in a remarkable show of support for UNICEF Canada and its mission to create a better world for every child.

The Gala featured 10 incredible local chefs who showcased their talents at unique food stations, offering guests a delicious journey through diverse culinary styles. Guests also enjoyed inspiring speakers, live music, and an exciting auction featuring over 110 items.

This unforgettable night celebrated the power of community and the vital work UNICEF does in more than 190 countries and territories—delivering healthcare, nutrition, vaccines, education, and protection to children everywhere.

The challenges facing children around the world today are profound, and your support ensures UNICEF can continue its life-saving work where it’s needed most. Thank you for standing with us.

Stay tuned for updates on future Chefs for UNICEF Galas, and thank you for making this year's event such a meaningful success. 

Still want to support?
While the event has come to a close, the need has not. There’s still time to contribute and help create a better future for every child.

Make a donation today and be part of the change.

Want to Get Involved?

• Interested in becoming a sponsor or participating chef? Contact Nikki Northern at nnorthern@unicef.ca.
• Interested in joining the committee? Reach out to Claire Murphy at clmurphy@unicef.ca.

2025 Sponsors & Auction Donors

A heartfelt thank you to our 2025 sponsors and auction donors! Your generosity made this event possible and helps change lives for children everywhere.

Auction Donors

Air Canada Foundation & Anonymous, Paul and Nicola Delahunty, Caleb Power & François Dolbe, Wesben Global & Kitch'Inn Hospitality Group, Compass Distillers, Troute Point Lodge of Nova Scotia, Gran Sasso HR & A Pria Italian Cafe and Deli, GourmetGab Events by Pertu, BMO Private Wealth, Halifax Wanderers Football Club, Labatt Breweries of Canada, Cyclesmith & McInnes Cooper, Doucet Landscaping, Charm Diamond Centres, Rackology, The Algonquin Resort, Cabot Cape Breton, Gerald Mitchell Contracting, Cornwall Dental Clinic, Fairholm Boutique Inns, Northumberland Ferries & Dawn and MacIsaac, Hotel Wolfville, Lawrencetown Lodge Inc., Sidanna Retreat, Hotel Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth, Liscombe Lodge Resort & Conference Centre, Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre, Premiere Suites Atlantic, Crowne Plaza Moncton, Quinan Airbnb by Amanda, The Hollis A DoubleTree Suites By Hilton, Rossmount Inn & Quoddy Link Marine, The Archie & Isidore Hotel, Atlantica Hotel Halifax, Staying Afloat Vacation Rentals, Maritime Travel, This Hour has 22 Minutes, Bluenose II & Lincoln Street Food, Confederation Centre of the Arts, Papa Joe's Restaurant, Slaymaker & Nichols Gastro House, Nature Folk Wellness Collective, O'Regan's Automotive Group, Ski Wentworth, Ski Martock, Dartmouth Curling Club, East Coast Surf School, Chester Golf Club, Osprey Ridge Golf Club, Indian Lake Golf Course, Tennis Nova Scotia, Tennis Nova Scotia & Tusket Tennis, SPINCO Halifax, CIBC Wood Gundy, The Binnacle, Robert Oyler, York Region Collectibles (1–4), Professional Womens Hockey League (1–3) Bruce Trick Custom Jewellery, Allyson Simmie Metal Arts, Dorothee Rosen Designer Goldsmith, Earth Goddess Shop, Fireworks Gallery, Tabitha + Co, Y K N Sunglasses & Eyeglasses, Foreign Affair, Pyrrha, Selena Marchand Makeup Artistry, George Hope Design, Modern Age Aesthetics and Wellness, SMYTHE Inc., Garrison Brewing, Boatskeg Distilling Co., Annapolis Cider Company, Spurr Brothers Farms Ltd, Grape Escapes Nova Scotia Wine Tours, Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards, Benjamin Bridge Winery, Conquer the Cork Wine Consultants (with Arthur's Urban Market & Ratinaud French Cuisine), Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar, Knife For Hire, Tatamagouche Brewery, The Five Fisherman - Grafton Connor Group, Breton Brewing, Tire Shack Brewing Co., Annapolis Royal NS Bonnet House Gallery, Calee Blanchard, Bishops Cellar, IKEA, MacAusland's Woollen Mills Ltd., Varlin Turkish Imports, Nurtured, Robinson Property Maintenance, Scotia Fuels Ltd., Truly Nolen Pest Control & Skedaddle Human Wildlife Control, Bryant Laviolette Home Improvements Inc., RONA Stephen's Home Centre, Le Bistro by Liz & Symphony Nova Scotia, Leonhard's Cafe & Restaurant, Jeannine and Ed & North Shore Canteen, Neptune Theatre & RCR Hospitality Group, Sou'Wester Gift & Restaurant Company Ltd. & Morris East & Bauld Insurance, The Wine Spa Gift Card & 7 Virtues Perfume Altelier, Service Inspired Restaurants Corp, Hope Wellness Eco Resort.

CHAIR, PATRONS & COMMITTEE

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

Event Chair

Laura Mayard
Colleen Robbins

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

Executive Committee

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