23RD ANNUAL PARTY IN THE KITCHEN
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/22/26
Atlanta’s Culinary Community Comes Together for Open Hand Atlanta’s
23rd Annual Party in the Kitchen, Sept. 24
Beloved culinary fundraiser brings together the city’s top chefs, exclusive experiences
and supporters to advance Open Hand’s mission
Open Hand Atlanta invites supporters to its 23rd annual Party in the Kitchen fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. Recognized as one of Atlanta’s premier culinary fundraising events, Party in the Kitchen will bring together Atlanta’s most celebrated chefs, an exclusive auction experience and hundreds of supporters for an evening that fuels Open Hand’s life-changing nutrition programs across Georgia.
Guests will sample signature dishes from some of Atlanta’s most acclaimed chefs, enjoy live entertainment and bid on exclusive silent auction opportunities. Returning as Chef Co-Chairs, renowned chefs Kevin Rathbun and Peter Kaiser are joined by Event Co-Chairs Robert Candler and Charles Mendez III, as well as a lineup of participating chefs from some of Atlanta’s most celebrated kitchens, including The Deer and The Dove Chef Terry Koval, KR SteakBar Chef Jessica Gamble, and Tiny Lou’s Chef Jason Stern, with additional chefs and culinary talent to be announced.
“The impact we’ve built over the last two decades with the Atlanta culinary community is extraordinary,” said Open Hand CEO Matthew Pieper. “Party in the Kitchen continues to celebrate the best of our city, from delicious food to incredible generosity. It’s a cornerstone in supporting the life-changing nutrition services Open Hand provides to thousands of Georgians every year.”
The event’s silent auction will feature coveted packages ranging from luxury travel experiences and premier Atlanta entertainment experiences to exclusive chef-curated dining opportunities.
Ahead of the Main Event, Open Hand will host an exclusive Patron Reception on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at its Westside headquarters, the James A. Carlos Family Community Nutrition Center. Patron Reception guests will enjoy an intimate evening of culinary tastings from acclaimed Atlanta restaurants while touring Open Hand’s state-of-the-art facility and seeing firsthand how community support powers the organization’s mission.
Proceeds from Party in the Kitchen directly support Open Hand’s programs, which provide medically tailored meals and nutrition education, free of charge, to individuals facing chronic or severe illness across Georgia. Individual tickets to the Main Event are available for $400. Patron Reception admission packages begin at $1,250 and include access to both events.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit OpenHandAtlanta.org/PITK.







