Philadelphia’s most delectable fundraiser, Let Them Eat Cake, is happening Monday, April 2 at the Loews Hotel to benefit City of Hope. Senior editor Tara Behan chatted with Harry Giordano, senior director of development of City of Hope’s Philadelphia Regional Development Office about what attendees can expect from this year’s eighth annual event.
MLT: Let Them Eat Cake is a sweet event that we look forward to all year. What is the theme of this year’s event?
HG: Let Them Eat Cake’s theme this year is “Under the Big Top—The Greatest Cake Show on Earth.” It’s a circus theme. We wanted to challenge the pastry chefs and really give them something fun to work with. The participants have really gotten into it. Some are doing sideshows with palm readers with crystal globes. Some are doing Cirque du Soleil. Some are doing moving parts within the cake. It’s going to be insane. I’m so excited.
MLT: It sounds amazing. What else is new this year?
HG: We’re really excited to welcome back Sylvia Weinstock, celebrated cake diva, as our head judge. The pastry chefs are so thrilled that they are going to be able to meet one of their idols.
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MLT: How many pastry chefs are participating?
HG: We have 42 professional pastry chefs from throughout the area involved in the competition. Once the judges have tasted their creations, attendees are invited in to taste samples and are also given a container so they can bring samples home. Expect to taste some flavors you’ve never dreamed of—all of our pastry chefs are so talented. Along with the cake, free champagne and coffee are available.
MLT: There are also non-cake vendors at the event, right?
HG: Yes, we have 20 additional vendors that are all bridal and large-scale event related. If you’re getting married or throwing a big celebration, it’s a great place to get information on fantastic service providers from event planners to photographers.
MLT: Tell me about the beneficiary, City of Hope.
HG: I’ve been working at City of Hope for 16 years. I love every minute. The California-based hospital is doing amazing things. Our pioneering research is responsible for medical breakthroughs including: synthetic human insulin, which 14 million American diabetics take that every day; for the development of two of the top four cancer drugs; and this past year, we were the first hospital in the United States and second in the world to achieve 10,000 bone marrow transplants. These are just some of our many accomplishments. City of Hope also collaborates directly with CHOP, University of Pennsylvania, Fox Chase and Jefferson. So the money raised at Let Them Eat Cake does help patients here.
For ticket information, visit cityofhope.org/cake or call (800) 344-8169.