The sixth annual Plates with Purpose event will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 6:00–10:00 p.m. at Serafresca at the Italian Center, 1620 Newfield Avenue in Stamford. Hosted by the nonprofit Filling in the Blanks (FITB), the evening will raise critical funds to support local children who face food insecurity.
Guests will enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience prepared by some of the region’s most celebrated chefs: Chef Luke Venner of Elm in New Canaan, Chef Tyler Anderson of Millwright’s Restaurant, Chef Prasad Chirnomula of Chef Prasad Indian Kitchen & Market, and Chef Hannah Gorman of Revel with DinnerThyme. Specialty cocktails, a lively silent auction, and dancing round out the night of food, fun, and philanthropy.
This year, FITB will honor Shonda Rhimes as Philanthropist of the Year, recognizing her extraordinary commitment to children and families.
Founded to “fill the weekend meal gap” for children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, Filling in the Blanks now provides weekend food bags to 10,000 children weekly across Fairfield, Westchester, and Putnam counties. The organization has also launched the Fresh Food on the Move Mobile Pantry, which has already distributed more than one million pounds of food to families in Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Stamford.
“Events like Plates with Purpose are vital to sustaining our programs,” organizers note, citing that less than one percent of FITB’s food is donated. With demand growing each year, community support remains essential.
Sponsorship for the 2025 event comes from the Rees family, the Conheeney family, the Mirza family, Coastal Bridge Advisors, Sound Control Technologies, and CellMark.
Tickets and sponsorships are available now, with proceeds directly funding FITB’s efforts to ensure no child goes hungry over the weekend.
For more information or to reserve your place at the table, visit fillingintheblanks.org
