GAL APPROVED! Supporting Kids With The enCourage Kids Foundation Tasting Event
By Shara Talia Taylor | November 7, 2025 | Diva Approved
As October came to a close, the enCourage Kids Foundation celebrated its 11th Annual ServingUp Smiles tasting event at Current, an event venue located on Pier 59 at Chelsea Piers in New York.
Philanthropists and other guests attended the event to champion the cause, interacting with celebrities and chefs, savoring a variety of beverages, sampling dishes from top restaurants, bidding on prizes and enjoying music hits. The event successfully raised funds for the organization, which supports hospitalized children and their families.
Sharing their impact, enCourage Kids stated: “Through powerful pediatric programs and unwavering support to improve the pediatric healthcare landscape, we’re transforming the hospital experience for young patients across the country.”
The foundation focuses on improving the lives of hospitalized children by making hospitals a better place for recovery and humanizing healthcare for the children and their families. The organization’s past efforts include providing toys to pediatric patients at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, donating an “Under the Sea-themed care room” to PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) and supplying teddy bears for children in hospitals.
Jean Butler, President of enCourage Kids, graced the stage at ServingUp Smiles to share the importance of the organization’s work.
“Through close partnerships with child life specialists and hospital staff, enCourage Kids responds to the unique needs of our hospital partners and the communities they serve. From distributing toys, games and craft items to supplying teddy bears for a last-minute community clinic and everything in between, our team is always ready to provide meaningful support during challenging times.”
Culinary Chair Chef Glenn Rolnick, the Director of Culinary Operations for the organization and chef at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant, joined Butler on stage. They presented the Culinary Community Champion Award to Mike Puma, Founder of Gotham Burger Social Club.
Ryan Field, WABC-TV sports anchor, next joined the stage to emcee the event (pictured above with event committee member MJ Pedone).
The event featured signature dishes from top restaurants, including Virgil’s Real BBQ, Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse, One If by Land, Two If by Sea and Ocean Prime. I enjoyed tasty treats from The Curry Blossom, Sushi YOLO, and Carmine’s, perfectly paired with Figi Water.
Other guests enjoyed cocktails with Zyr Vodka and Madame Backlash Gin. Other beverage partners included Aphrodise Sparkling Rosè, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Cooperstown Distillery, and Landmark Vineyards.
Special guests included Skeery Jones, Danielle Monaro & Gandhi from the Elvis Duran Morning Show, Super Bowl Champion Marvin Washington, NFL legend Tony Richardson, New York State Senator Cordell Cleare and 73rd District of New York Assembly member Alex Bores.
Guests provided support for fundraising by purchasing ticket packages, which ranged in price from $150 for young professionals up to $50,000 for sponsoring opportunities.
Additionally, attendees could bid on items such as jewelry, sports memorabilia, sports tickets, paintings, gift certificates and dinners.
Guests thoroughly enjoyed the event as enCourage Kids celebrated its 40-year milestone.
