L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade 2025: Chefs, Celebrities, and Kids Raised $1.3 Million for Childhood Cancer Research
A Perfect UCLA Afternoon with Purpose
There are charity events, and then there’s L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand — a sunlit, star-studded culinary love letter to hope.
On the lush lawn of Royce Quad at UCLA, more than 1,800 guests gathered for the 13th annual event, raising over $1.3 million for childhood cancer research.
L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand isn’t just the name of the event, it’s a symbol of the way Los Angeles—its chefs, its families, its dreamers—shows up when it matters most. Supported by presenting sponsors Northwestern Mutual, Resy, and Volvo Cars of North America, this year’s record-breaking cookout blended the heart of a family picnic with the glamour of a Hollywood premiere.
Chefs, Stars, and a Community That Cares
At the heart of the event were more than 100 chefs, mixologists, and vintners, each serving dishes as generous as their spirits. From Santa Monica to Silver Lake, these culinary artists turned out in full force—grilling, plating, and pouring for a cause bigger than themselves.
Jay and Liz Scott, co-executive directors of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and parents of the late Alexandra “Alex” Scott, delivered an inspiring address reminding everyone why they were there:
“We all have the power to make a difference—together.”
The Auction: Where Generosity Becomes Art
No L.A. event is complete without a little star power—and this year’s live auction was electric.
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A dinner with Jimmy Kimmel and his wife, Molly, prepared by celebrity chefs like Marc Vetri, David Chang, and Chris Bianco, fetched an incredible $85,000.
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The Women Chefs Dinner—a dream collaboration featuring Nancy Silverton, Suzanne Goin, Sherry Yard, and more—sold for $40,000.
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Not to be outdone, the Men Chefs Dinner with Josiah Citrin, William Bradley, Michael Cimarusti, and others matched that number.
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The showstopper: a one-week Umbrian getaway with Chef Nancy Silverton, complete with truffle-hunting and a Tuscan feast, brought in $160,000.
Even Phil Rosenthal joined the fun, offering lunch at his new diner, Max and Helen’s, which went for $18,000.
Youth Power: The Kids Campaign
While star chefs dazzled on stage, it was the Kids Campaign, led by Charles Lentz—a high school junior and son of Suzanne Goin and David Lentz—that tugged at everyone’s hearts. Through lemonade stands, bake sales, and restaurant partnerships, Charles and his young team raised a record $110,000.
This grassroots effort underscored a message often lost in big-ticket fundraisers: small hands can stir big change.
L.A. Keeps Showing Up
Los Angeles has a soft spot for purpose-driven gatherings. Just as the city rallies around sustainability festivals and food relief efforts like World Central Kitchen, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand has become part of the city’s philanthropic rhythm.
Here, food is more than nourishment—it’s a language of love, connection, and community. From Brentwood chefs to Culver City creatives, everyone comes for the food but stays for the feeling: hope, plated and served with lemon zest.
L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand
Q: What is L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand?
A: It’s an annual culinary fundraiser in Los Angeles benefiting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, supporting research to end childhood cancer.
Q: How much money was raised this year?
A: The 2025 event raised over $1.3 million, breaking previous records.
Q: Who were some of the chefs involved?
A: Culinary icons like Nancy Silverton, Suzanne Goin, Chris Bianco, Josiah Citrin, and Michael Cimarusti contributed their talents.
Looking Ahead: Lemonade, Light, and Legacy
As the sun dipped behind Royce Hall, one truth sparkled brighter than the wine glasses: when Los Angeles gathers around a cause, magic happens.
“We all have the power to make a difference—together.” That spirit, poured generously at every table, is what makes L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand not just an event—but a movement.
Next year’s event promises even more chefs, stories, and reasons to raise a glass of lemonade in honor of the kids who inspire it all.
