Food Rescue US Benefit to Eliminate Hunger & Protect the Planet
Food Rescue US will host its annual gala, Celebrate Food Rescue US, on May 6, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:30 PM at The Loading Dock in Stamford, CT.
The milestone event will honor 32,000+ volunteer food rescuers operating in 51 locations across 25 states and the District of Columbia. Together, these volunteers have delivered more than 205 million meals to communities in need, kept over 246 million pounds of food out of landfills, and prevented more than 1 billion tons of CO2 equivalent emissions.
Visionary Award: Westport Native Ellen Bowen
A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Visionary Award to Westport native Ellen Bowen, Site Director for South Florida at Food Rescue US. Bowen is being recognized for her extraordinary innovation and leadership in expanding community programming across South Florida.
Using the Food Rescue US app, volunteers in Florida rescue nutritious surplus food from local grocers such as Trader Joe’s, as well as from restaurants, hotels, bakeries, and large-scale venues, including Hard Rock Stadium. The rescued food is delivered directly to shelters, food pantries, and other hunger-relief organizations. Under Bowen’s leadership, her team has coordinated large-scale rescues during major events, including Super Bowl LIV, Formula 1, FIFA, the Miami Marathon, and the LIV Golf Tournament.
Musical Performance: Stamford-based Abena Koomson-Davis and Jordan Hyde
The gala will also feature a live musical performance by Abena Koomson-Davis and Jordan Hyde. Koomson-Davis, a Stamford-based performer, educator, and wordsmith, originated the role of Fela’s mother in the Off-Broadway musical FELA! and reprised it on Broadway in the Tony Award–winning production. She has performed alongside renowned artists, including Stevie Wonder, Carly Simon, and Angelique Kidjo. Hyde, a Brooklyn-based professional guitarist and educator, has performed extensively across New York City and on national and international tours. He holds a BFA in Jazz Performance from The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music.
Personal Look at Food Rescue: Lead Fairfield County, CT Site Director Karen Saggese
Attendees will also enjoy a personal look at how communities come together to eliminate hunger by rescuing excess food, hosted by Lead Site Director of Fairfield County, Karen Saggese. This opportunity will walk guests through a food rescue involving a large grocery store, a volunteer rescuer, and the receiving nonprofit organization, offering a firsthand look at how the Food Rescue US platform connects surplus food with those who need it most.
The evening will include a silent and live auction, a seated dinner featuring gourmet dining prepared by Abigail Kirsch, and opportunities to support Food Rescue US.
Whether you are new to Food Rescue US or a longtime champion of our mission, we look forward to celebrating with you at the Celebrate Food Rescue US – 15th Anniversary Gala!
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3524156-0
LinkedIn: https://go.evvnt.com/3524156-2
Instagram: https://go.evvnt.com/3524156-3
