On September 14, Tzedek DC held our annual Eat Well, Do Justice!® celebration. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of attendees, sponsors, and supporters, we raised more than $500,000!
While we are celebrating this incredible success, the need for Tzedek DC's services continues to grow. Thanks to a generous matching challenge, all donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000, through September 30. Please consider donating now to double the impact of your gift.
The evening brought together community leaders, volunteers, partners, and supporters who share a commitment to ensuring that every DC resident has a fair opportunity to thrive. Guests celebrated the impact of Tzedek DC's work while trying the competing chefs’ Sephardic-inspired dish creations and voted on their favorite.
The program kicked off with music from Trio Sefardi, followed by opening remarks from Eat Well, Do Justice!® Co-Chair Allyson Baker and inspiring words from new Tzedek DC Board Chair Josh Levy about the broad impact of Tzedek DC this past year. Through a new video, guests heard directly from community members who received services and support from Tzedek DC.
Tzedek DC Founding Director Ariel Levinson-Waldman spoke about our new initiatives, including launching a new Medical Legal Financial Partnership involving a mobile van, as well as our project supporting DC residents in becoming first-time home buyers. He also highlighted recent advocacy successes, including the DC State Board of Education’s approval of financial literacy access for all public high school students, and our (so far successful!) efforts fighting against Congress reimposing cash bail on DC residents.
We presented the Janet Lowenthal Volunteer Service Award to Nina Simon for her years of dedicated pro bono lawyering and other volunteer work for Tzedek DC, and the inaugural Pro Bono Partner of the Year Award to Orrick for the firm's deep commitment to supporting community members by conducting over 340 legal services intakes for our clients.
Ultimately, 10 stellar chefs stole the show, each with their own creations. Congratulations to chef competition winners Daniel Rosen and Jarrad Silver, whose outstanding grilled eggplant shislik with curried chickpeas, charred tomato, spinach, zhug, and garlic chips earned top honors from our judges and guests.
We are especially grateful to guest judges: The Hon. Robert White Councilmember, District of Columbia; Winner, 2026 Democratic Primary to be Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives for the District of Columbia; Josh Mogil, DC Bar President-Elect; Attorney, WilmerHale; Kamal Ben Ali Co-Owner, Ben’s Chili Bowl; Chair, Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation; and Susan Barocas Chef, writer, cooking instructor, and co-founder/co-director of “Savor: A Sephardic Music & Food Experience.”
The event was skillfully chaired and moderated by former Washington Post food editor Bonnie Benwick and co-chaired by Paul Hastings Partner Allyson Baker and long-time consumer advocate Nina Simon. The Host Committee and Sponsors were also instrumental in the evening’s success.
Make sure to secure your sponsorship and tickets to Eat Well, Do Justice!® 2027 when they become available next summer! Tickets sold out this year, so grab yours early.
Thanks to a generous matching challenge, all donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000, through September 30. Please consider donating now to double the impact of your gift.