Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/15/23

Open Hand Atlanta to Host 20th Annual Party in the Kitchen at American Spirit Works, Sept. 28

Annual fundraiser flashes back to the neon decade with live music, crafted cocktails, exquisite cuisine, and captivating auctions in support of Open Hand Atlanta

Open Hand is celebrating 20 years of its largest annual fundraiser, Party in the Kitchen, taking place at The Stave Room at American Spirit Works on Thursday, Sept. 28, from 7- 10 p.m. This year, the event will honor Chef Gerry Klaskala, who has generously supported Open Hand for 20 years and has dedicated more than 9 years as a Chef Chair of Party in the Kitchen.

Hosted by Chef Kevin Rathbun and Chef Peter Kaiser, along with Co-Chairs Marlene Alexander and Butch Whitfield,
guests are invited to indulge in Atlanta’s premier culinary social occasion, showcasing 20 of Atlanta’s finest chefs. DJ Twitch and DJIT will take guests back into the decade of MTV, shoulder pads, and big hair as the evening pays tribute to 1988, Open Hand’s founding year, with an unforgettable evening full of entertainment, flavorful food, master mixology and live and silent auctions.

“We are so honored to have Marlene Alexander and Butch Whitfield joining our chef co-chairs Chef Peter Kaiser and Chef Kevin Rathbun for this year’s event,” said Open Hand Executive Director Matthew Pieper. “Not only are they raising critical funds for our mission, but they are also paying tribute to our founding in the 1980s.”

Exquisite culinary masterpieces will be created by famous local chefs such as Kevin Rathbun, Chris Hall,
Peter Kaiser, Ian Winslade, Doug Turbush, Stephen Herman, and others. Attendees will have the opportunity to not only savor delectable food and cocktails, but can also bid on a diverse selection of luxury items, ranging from exclusive travel experiences to captivating entertainment and elegant fine dining packages.

Open Hand will host a Patron Party before the main event for VIP guests in the American Spirit Works Courtyard beginning at 5:30 p.m. Patron ticket prices start at $750 and include access to the main event. Attendees will have the chance to preview live and silent auction items, as well as the opportunity to mingle with Atlanta’s celebrity chefs. 

Party in the Kitchen raises much-needed funds to support Open Hand’s programs which provide access to home-delivered, health-promoting meals as well as nutrition education to those living with or disabled by chronic disease, homebound seniors and at-risk youth and families.

Tickets to Party in the Kitchen are on sale now and can be purchased for a special rate of $250 through August 25 before the price increases to $300 per ticket. For information on sponsorship packages or to purchase tickets, visit PartyintheKitchen.org.