José Andrés, Vikas Khanna, Simon Kim, Eric Ripert, Sandra Ripert and CEO Jilly Stephens. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images for City Harvest.
The City Harvest 2026 Shaken, Not Stirred GALA took place on Tuesday, April 21, hosted by Emmy-nominated comedian and actor Bowen Yang at New York City’s Cipriani 42nd Street venue.
City Harvest CEO Jilly Stephens and 2026 Honoree participated in red carpet interviews about the importance of the work City Harvest does for New York City.
City harvest is a nonprofit organization as well as New York’s first and largest food rescue organization.
CEO, Jilly Stephens
Taking part in the City Harvest GALA 2026, CEO Jilly Stephens said: “All the supporters who came out tonight really drive our work and make it possible. I’m looking forward to a great night which will help us put a lot of food on people’s plates.”
Stephens talked about hosting Bowen Yang and getting to know Simon Kim. “It doesn’t get any better than Bowen and Simon. It’s fantastic to have them both involved. There’s nothing we’d love more than to have Bowen host and honor Simon this evening,” she said.
“Visits to New York’s soup kitchens and food pantries are at an all-time high amid an affordability crisis in our city,” Stephens said.
“I hope people realize how great the need is in New York City… it’s not getting any better,” she noted.
“I am grateful to the many New Yorkers who have joined us in supporting our work by providing free, nutritious food to soup kitchens and food pantries across the five boroughs during this critical time,” she added.
“It is this support that enables us to do more for our neighbors in need today, and for the many more we expect to reach out to us in the future as cuts in federal food assistance take effect,” she added.
Simon Kim – Dear 2026
The event honored restaurateur, activist and entrepreneur Simon Kim, who is also a member of City Harvest’s Board of Directors and Food Council.
His leadership has been instrumental in helping the organization continue to grow and provide millions of pounds of high-quality food that would otherwise go to waste for New Yorkers in need.
In addition, Kim is very dedicated to supporting local Asian American communities.
On being honored for 2026, Kim said, “I’m delighted! City Harvest has given me so much more than I can ever give, so this is a great honor. I’m so grateful for their mission and I really enjoy being a part of it.”
“Let’s help! The joy of helping is greater when we share… So let’s share,” Kim added.
To learn more about City Harvest, follow it Instagram page and visit it official site.
Please note: This reporter was credentialed to cover the red carpet of the 2026 City Harvest GALA at Cipriani 42nd Street as a member of the media/press.
