Charleston’s Dining for a Cause, a benefit dinner for Feed the Need, returned Sunday, Oct. 19, for its ninth annual event. Hosted at The Cedar Room, the dinner raised more than $1.2 million, which will be distributed equally by Feed the Need among three local nonprofit agencies: One80 Place, Neighbors Together and Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach.
By supporting these organizations, Feed the Need helps provide thousands of meals each week and delivers essential resources to those in need throughout the tri-county area.
Feed the Need was founded in 2008 by Steve Palmer, managing partner of The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG), and hospitality veteran Mickey Bakst in response to the economic downturn and its impact on Charleston’s most vulnerable residents. Since the inaugural Dining for a Cause in 2016, their efforts have raised more than $6 million, with all proceeds remaining in the local community.
“Year after year, I continue to be overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity from our community to make this special event happen in support of our neighbors,” Palmer said. “We have always emphasized the importance of taking care of others — our teams, our guests and the community we are proud to call home. Witnessing the generosity of others last Sunday night continues to bring the why of what we do into focus, inspiring us every day to give back.”
Feed the Need has served hundreds of thousands of nutritious meals to those in need and empowers lives through job training programs that provide a path toward economic independence.
(l-r) Chefs Dugan, Toscano, and Lata
“The joy of being able to support our community was apparent to anyone in the room Sunday night,” Bakst said. “Before the auction even began, we had raised nearly $500,000 in ticket sales alone, and that spirit of giving continued as we raised another $700,000 before the night ended. The philanthropic support from the Charleston community continues to shine, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who joined us for this year’s Dining for a Cause.”
The evening featured a seated dinner prepared by some of Charleston’s most acclaimed chefs, accompanied by live and silent auctions showcasing items donated by local businesses and supporters from near and far. From international travel and luxury accessories to exclusive dining experiences and wellness packages, the auction reflected the city’s signature spirit of generosity.
Helmed by Indigo Road Chef and Partner Jeremiah Bacon, the participating chefs included: Bailey Campbell (167 Raw), Marc Collins (Circa 1886), Bob Cook (Edmund’s Oast, The Indigo Road), Andrea Congiusta (Legami), Hunter Conklin (Brasserie La Banque, The Indigo Road), Nick Dugan (Sorelle), Sydney Frey (The Royal Tern), Remy Funfrock (Hotel Bennett), Adam Jakins (Halls Chophouse), Kevin Johnson (The Grocery), Jacques Larson (Wild Olive, The Obstinate Daughter), Mike Lata (FIG, The Ordinary), Jackie Lopez (Kiawah Island Club), Sean McMullen (Luminosa, The Indigo Road), Katy Powers (Neighborhood Dining Group), Nico Romo (NICO), Jason Stanhope (Sullivan’s Fish Camp), Michael Toscano (Le Farfalle), Vandy Vanderwarker (Maison), Michael Zentner (Merci) and John Zucker (Cru Catering).
The 10th Annual Dining for a Cause event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at The Cedar Room.
