Cassie Taylor ’11 manages, produces NY event that raised $255,000 for charity

As the development and program coordinator for Family Reach Foundation, Cassie Taylor '11, a Sport & Event Management major, served as manager and producer for the Sept. 18 "Cooking Live, New York!" event at the Ritz-Carlton New York in Battery Park, which featured actor Matt Damon.

The event featured the following celebrity chefs:

  • Chef Ming Tsai
  • Chef Mario Batali
  • Chef Masaharu Morimoto
  • Chef Floyd Cardoz
  • Chef Marc Forgione
  • Pastry Chef Laurent Richard

The chefs cooked live, in the round, allowing every guest an up-close and personal view of their craft, as they prepared a 7-course meal for those in attendance. 

Making the event even more memorable, Damon stepped up as a “sous-chef” to try his hand in the round. 

The event raised more than $255,000 to benefit Family Reach Foundation’s mission of providing financial relief and heartfelt support to families fighting cancer. Media coverage has reached more than 70 million circulations in five countries, with representation ranging from E! News to the Wall Street Journal and Life&Style Magazine.

Fellow Elon alumni involved included David Beahm, who provided decor, and Laura Bradford, who served as one of the main photographers.

To find out more or to get in touch with Taylor, who works in the Boston office for Family Reach Foundation, check out www.familyreach.org or send an email to ctaylor@familyreach.org.