L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Returns to UCLA on Oct 4: Celebrities and Chefs Unite to Fight Childhood Cancer
Every fall, Los Angeles becomes the center of flavor, fame, and philanthropy as L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade brings together world-class chefs and Hollywood stars for one powerful mission: to fight childhood cancer.
This year’s highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, on UCLA’s Royce Quad.
Guests will enjoy exquisite food, wine, and cocktails from James Beard-winning chefs while raising millions for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a nonprofit dedicated to finding cures for pediatric cancer. With celebrity supporters like Joe Mantegna, Patton Oswalt, AJ Cook, Aisha Tyler, and Camilla Belle, this year’s cookout promises an unforgettable mix of star power and generosity.
Culinary Powerhouse for a Cause
Hosted by Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne, and David Lentz, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Culinary Cookout is more than just a food festival. It is an afternoon where celebrity chefs and mixologists donate their time and talent to serve dishes that are as memorable as the mission.
Past years have seen names like Nancy Silverton, Chris Bianco, and Marc Vetri join forces to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.
“Featuring fabulous food, wine and cocktails prepared by
the nation’s best chefs, winemakers, breweries and mixologists,
L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade is an afternoon of fantastic fare,
cocktails for a cause,
children’s activities, extravagant silent and exhilarating live auctions, and much more.”
For the upscale guests flying in from Manhattan, Miami Beach, Aspen, and even Berlin, this event has become a must-attend tradition blending indulgence with impact.
Celebrities Put the Spotlight on Pediatric Cancer
This year’s lineup shines as bright as the California sun. Longtime supporters like Joe Mantegna and Kirsten Vangsness are set to attend, alongside Patton Oswalt, AJ Cook, Adam Rodriguez, Aisha Tyler, Shawn Ashmore, Camilla Belle, Roxane Gay, Paget Brewster, and Andrew Bird. Their presence has consistently elevated the event’s profile, making the fight against childhood cancer a shared Hollywood mission.
Actor Patton Oswalt, who has championed the event for years, once said, “When you bring food, family, and friends together for something bigger than yourself, that’s when real change happens.”
With more than 1,500 guests expected, the event sold out quickly. In 2024, it raised $1.6 million in just one day. This year, organizers are confident the record will be broken again.
Kids Leading the Way
Perhaps the most heartwarming part of this story is the Kids’ Campaign. Spearheaded by teenager Charles Lentz, son of chefs Suzanne Goin and David Lentz, the initiative empowers children across Los Angeles to set up their own lemonade stands in support of the cause. Over the past six years, these young entrepreneurs have raised nearly $438,000.
The movement is inspired by Alex Scott, the brave little girl who, at just eight years old, raised over $1 million before losing her life to pediatric cancer. Her vision and legacy live on through the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, reminding every attendee of the deeper purpose behind each sip of lemonade and bite of food.
Auctions, Experiences, and Giving Back
The silent and live auctions are another highlight of L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade. Guests bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from private chef dinners to luxury getaways. Organizers stress that “each year, the silent auction raises much needed funds,” and attendees can register online to participate.
In the past twelve years, the event has raised more than $12 million through sponsorships, ticket sales, and auctions. Presenting sponsors like Northwestern Mutual, Resy, and Volvo Cars of North America ensure that every dollar from attendees directly supports research and treatment.
Cutting-edge research to improve treatments and discover cures
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death for children in the United States. The Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation funds cutting-edge research to improve treatments and discover cures. Events like this connect communities across cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC, and even abroad in Hong Kong and Berlin.
It is a reminder that when top chefs, celebrities, and compassionate communities come together, they can transform a casual afternoon into a life-changing mission.
More than a foodie’s paradise
This year’s L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Culinary Cookout is more than a foodie’s paradise. It is proof that good food and good people can make a real difference. Whether you attend in person, join the silent auction, or donate online, every contribution helps kids fighting cancer today and brings hope for tomorrow.
To purchase tickets or learn more, visit the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation website.
