HexClad Hosts Fundraising Dinner to Support Long-Term Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery
One year following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, the focus has shifted from immediate emergency response to sustained rebuilding of communities, both economically and socially.This commitment was powerfully demonstrated Saturday at “Rise & Dine LA: A Night of Philanthropy and Flavor,” an exclusive fundraising dinner hosted by HexClad at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades. The event benefitted Steadfast LA, an institution dedicated to ongoing wildfire relief and community restoration.
The evening drew approximately 300 attendees,including prominent figures such as Dr. Dre and Sheila E. A culinary experience orchestrated by renowned chefs – Gordon Ramsay, Dominique Crenn, Nancy Silverton, and Michael Cimarusti – took center stage. They were joined by additional Los angeles culinary icons including Neal Fraser, Josiah Citrin, Kevin Meehan, Ludo Lefebvre, Raphael Lunetta, and Suzanne Goin, collectively representing over 20 Michelin stars. Grammy-Award winning artist Macy Gray’s performance of ”I Try” further energized the event, uniting guests in a shared moment of support.
For HexClad, a company deeply rooted in Los Angeles, the event signifies a strategic commitment to long-term civic investment, exceeding the scope of short-term disaster relief.Leadership emphasized the duty that comes with remaining headquartered in Southern California, particularly as the rebuilding process extends over years to come.
as the fires, HexClad has actively engaged in community support, donating cookware to displaced families, contributing to emergency food distribution programs, and forging partnerships with organizations focused on long-term housing and infrastructure recovery. CEO Danny Winer underscored the personal nature of the response, recalling his immediate return from the east Coast to support employees and the broader community.
The concept for Rise & Dine LA originated during a conversation between Winer and Gordon Ramsay, driven by a shared vision to create a lasting impact, rather than a fleeting response. “Recovery doesn’t end after the headlines fade. This is generational work,” Winer stated, highlighting the years, even decades, required for full restoration.
Founded in West Hollywood in 2016, HexClad has prioritized maintaining its presence in Los Angeles despite the pressures faced by growing companies to relocate. Winer affirmed, “We were born here… LA is a tough city, but it believes in dreamers.” The company has already donated over 10,000 cookware pieces and helped distribute more than 35,000 meals in partnership with local organizations.
Pacific Palisades Councilwoman Traci Park formally acknowledged HexClad’s dedication during the event, while Megan Watanabe, CEO of Riviera Country Club, expressed her support for hosting the fundraiser. Chef ramsay,a vocal advocate for recovery efforts and having experienced firsthand evacuations during the fires,emphasized the vital role restaurants play in stabilizing communities. Restaurants were noted as key economic anchors, providing employment, stimulating neighborhood activity, and restoring normalcy after displacement.
The collective involvement of leading chefs like Crenn, Silverton, and others signaled a unified industry commitment. Discussions focused on ongoing challenges facing the hospitality sector, including insurance delays, workforce displacement, and rising costs, emphasizing the need for collaborative public-private partnerships.
Steadfast LA, the event beneficiary, continues to prioritize infrastructure restoration and housing stabilization. Managing Director Nick Geller, a third-generation Palisades resident, emphasized the organization’s commitment to rebuilding not just structures, but the core elements of community life, including schools, senior centers, and essential services.
Organizers envision Rise & Dine LA as the beginning of a sustained engagement, combining financial support, public awareness, and ongoing private sector participation. The evening also underscored the cultural importance of recovery, with Macy Gray’s performance reinforcing the healing power of music and community. Through this event, HexClad and its culinary partners demonstrate a long-term commitment to the revitalization of Los Angeles.