What began with an emotional encounter nearly two decades ago has grown into one of Los Angeles’ most beloved culinary events. On October 17, chef Suzanne Goin, restaurateur Caroline Styne and chef David Lentz will once again bring together an extraordinary roster of chefs, vintners and mixologists for L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, benefiting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and its mission to fight childhood cancer. Since its inception in 2010, the event has raised more than $12 million, including more than $1.3 million in 2025 alone. This year’s gathering at UCLA’s Royce Quad will feature longtime supporters including Nancy Silverton, Michael Cimarusti, Chris Bianco and Marc Vetri alongside newcomers such as Wylie Dufresne from Stretch Pizza in NYC and Nok Suntaranon of Kalaya in Philadelphia. For Goin, however, the heart of the event has always gone far beyond the food.
How did L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade begin?
In 2009, my husband, David Lentz, and I flew to Philadelphia to participate in our friend Marc Vetri’s Great Chefs Event. We were at our station making ceviche when Liz Scott, Alex’s mom, told the story of this incredible little girl who had raised $1 million before she passed away at age eight. We had one-year-old twins at home, and we both completely broke down. On the plane home, we vowed to bring Alex’s Lemonade to Los Angeles with an event of our own.
Why do you think the event has resonated so deeply with the culinary community?
There are so many worthy charities and great food events, but I think L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade has somehow cracked the code of being fun, exhilarating and delicious while also being incredibly emotional and moving. We have a rule that we invite great chefs who also happen to be great people. Everyone is there for the right reasons, and that camaraderie is really what makes it so special.
Is there a moment over the years that particularly stays with you?
One of the most powerful involved our dear friends Kris and Sarah Yenbamroong of Night + Market, who had supported the event for years before their son Mark was diagnosed with cancer. After Mark passed away in 2024 at just two and a half years old, they stood before our community and shared his story. It brought the mission into the sharpest possible focus. Childhood cancer is brutally real, their courage and continued commitment to helping other children have stayed with me.
Tell us about the Kids’ Campaign and how your own children became involved.
My kids grew up with L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, and as they got older, they wanted to be more involved. We started the Kids’ Campaign with lemonade stands at our house, soccer games and parks. Other kids sold art, bracelets and even Pokémon cards. It has now raised nearly $550,000. My son Charles started holding lemonade stands when he was 10, and now, at 17, he chairs the campaign. Watching him help younger kids understand that they can create change has been incredibly moving.
L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 12–4 PM
UCLA Campus, Royce Quad
alexslemonade.org