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The Event.

A BIG thank you to everyone who supported Bite 4 The Fight this year!

Mark your calendars for September 13th, 2025

The 2024 Bite for the Fight Food Festival, benefitting the Fight On Makenna Foundation. The festival features a dine-around-style tasting event with signature bites from 20+ restaurants, cooking demos from area chefs and restaurants, craft cocktail demos from premium distilleries, a silent auction, and special guest appearances by Chef Jose Garces, Dolores Catania, and chef demos from Chef Chad Rosenthal, Chef Georgeann Leaming, and Natalia Hagan. And the Emcee this year, Spike Eskin!

Check out the 2024 highlights!

Makenna’s Story

Makenna Ann Massi was a 14-year-old young woman who gained her wings on September 27th, 2018 after a 9-month battle fighting Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Makenna was all about the color purple, scary movies, spicy food, and chocolate cake. She was the biggest and truest fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, her golden doodle Santino was her constant companion, and she had a passion for Tae Kwon Do, earning her a first-degree black belt. Makenna believed in the power of laughter, the strength of family, and that one day we will find a cure for Childhood Cancer.

In the Spring of 2014, Makenna was diagnosed with a Wilm’s tumor (kidney cancer). She fought and beat it after a 9-month treatment plan consisting of chemotherapy and radiation, and in January 2015, was declared cancer free. On December 12, 2017 (as she was approaching the 3-year milestone of being cancer free), we were contacted by Makenna’s oncologists following an unrelated doctor’s appointment. Blood work had shown abnormalities in her platelet count and on December 13th, 2017, it was confirmed that Makenna had developed Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Further tests revealed that this AML was a secondary cancer caused by her treatments in 2014.

Makenna embarked on a long inpatient treatment plan – including the need for a bone marrow transplant – to cure the AML. After two rounds of chemotherapy, Makenna’s AML was in remission, and on March 28th, 2018, Makenna received a bone marrow transplant from her older sister Kayla, who was a perfect match. Everything was going according to plan. Makenna returned home on May 23rd, 2018 after 100 nights in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHoP) and she was making great progress through June. The week before the July 4th holiday, Makenna developed complications with her breathing and was put on supplemental oxygen.

The next 3 months would be marked by numerous admissions to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at CHoP. The intensity of her treatment had damaged Makenna’s heart and lungs, and she had developed Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). All the doctor’s attempts to treat the PH were unsuccessful and Makenna’s oxygen needs kept increasing until eventually, her body had given up. On September 27, 2018, we said goodbye to our angel. The Fight On Makenna Foundation was established to honor her memory and carry on her strength and fighting spirit to help kids and families facing pediatric cancer.

Chef Jose Garces

Iron Chef, father, husband, James Beard Award-winner, entrepreneur, and food innovator Chef Jose Garces is a leading Spanish and Latin-American food culinary authority.

From the Spanish tapas at Amada, his first restaurant, to the casual vibes of Buena Onda, his fast-casual Baja Taqueria, Chef Garces continually pushes the boundaries of culinary excellence.

While he maintains his successful career owning and operating full-service restaurants, Chef Garces is also looking toward the future, with an increased focus on bringing restaurant-quality experiences to the homes and businesses of culinary enthusiasts in new and exciting ways. From enhanced home delivery options and virtual online cooking demos to live online cooking classes, Chef Garces is excited to connect with both fans of his work on television and home cooks who’d like to experience “chef life” in their own kitchen.

As a child of immigrants and a leader in the diverse and inclusive hospitality industry, the well-being of his community in Philadelphia has always been dear to Chef Garces’ heart. To help provide ongoing and actionable assistance to the immigrant community, Chef Garces co-founded The Garces Foundation in 2011. The Garces Foundation delivers services, including community health days, English language skills classes that target the restaurant industry, and, most recently, an increased focus on procuring and providing food supplies to the food insecure.

Chef Garces is the author of two cookbooks, Latin Evolution, and The Latin Road Home, published by Lake Isle Press. In 2023, he was appointed to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.

Dolores Catania

We’re so excited to announce that Dolores Catania from the Real Housewives of New Jersey will be our celebrity guest at the 2024 Bite for the Fight Food Festival on September 14th!

Meet Dolores from 12 to 2 p.m.! As a fierce women and children's health advocate, she’s ready to chat, share her passion, and take fun photos with you!

Don’t miss this chance to connect with one of your favorite Housewives while enjoying fantastic food and supporting a great cause. It will be a day to remember!

Chef Chad Rosenthal

Born and raised in the vibrant culinary landscape of Philadelphia, Chef Chad Rosenthal's culinary journey speaks volumes about passion, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference. As a self-taught chef, Chad found significant success, initially ignited by his love for BBQ and comfort food. This journey established him as a respected restaurateur in the Philadelphia area, particularly with his flagship establishment, The Lucky Well.

Recently, Chad broadened his culinary horizons by introducing The Lucky Well - Incubator—a unique shared kitchen initiative focused on nurturing emerging food entrepreneurs. This pioneering space provides hand-selected talents with the opportunity to showcase their culinary skills, gain crucial experience in restaurant ownership, and receive invaluable mentorship within a collaborative kitchen environment. This endeavor not only fosters talent but also cultivates a sense of community and entertainment in the dining experience. T

Throughout his career, Chad has graced various television shows, featuring on both local and national programs such as Food Network Star (twice), Chopped Grill Masters, Beat Bobby Flay (which he did), Good Morning America, and several others. When away from the kitchen, he enthusiastically shares his culinary insights, advising brands and engaging audiences at food festivals. His genuine passion for food and approachable demeanor have solidified Chad as a relatable and must-see culinary entertainer nationwide.

Moreover, Chad's commitment to using food as a conduit for giving back resonates deeply. His collaborations with organizations like Philabundance, Project Home, and a mission to serve thousands of US sailors in Guantanamo Bay underscore his belief in the transformative power of a well-prepared meal. For Chad, cooking transcends mere flavors and techniques—it's about building connections and effecting positive change, one meal at a time.

Chef Georgeann Leaming

Chef Georgeann Leaming’s culinary journey is a testament to passion and resilience. Graduating from the Academy of Culinary Arts in 1999, she entered the culinary world at 23, a pivotal decision made while working as a preschool teacher and expecting her daughter, Kirsten. Her leap into the culinary field was unconventional by traditional standards, but it marked the beginning of a vibrant and diverse career.

Today, Chef Georgeann serves as the Executive Chef for the historic Renault Winery & Resort property. Prior to coming to Renault, she was the Director of Culinary Development for her own venture, GL Culinary Solutions as well as operating Zang Croissants, the popular bakery pop-up shop that was located at Atlantic Cape Community College with her daughter Kirsten, who specializes in pastry and is also an Academy of Culinary Arts alumna. In 2018 she was the Culinary Honoree for the Academy’s yearly Restaurant Gala and in 2023, she was honored to receive the President’s Distinguished alumni award from the college.

Her career highlights include a recent role as the opening Culinary Director at Foodiehall, a unique 4,000 sq ft takeout and delivery restaurant featuring seven original concepts she developed. Prior to this, she balanced restaurant consulting, teaching at her alma mater, and offering personal online cooking classes. Chef Georgeann previously held prominent roles such as chef de cuisine at R2L Restaurant in Philadelphia and the executive chef first at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill then being tapped to open the upscale Gordon Ramsay Steak in Atlantic City.

Chef Georgeann’s talent and versatility have been recognized on television, with a victory on Food Network’s Chopped and an appearance on Man Vs Master. Her diverse culinary experience includes co-owning popular Philadelphia eateries with her partner of thirteen years, Angelo, who is also a chef as well as working as a food stylist for the Cooking Channel’s Where Chefs Eat, Philly Edition.

Driven by a commitment to community service, Chef Georgeann participates in outreach programs, especially those addressing food insecurity. She was involved with Foodiehall’s Meal4meal initiative, which donated thousands of meals to Feeding America monthly. Her community work has centered in Philadelphia and South Jersey, reflecting her dedication to supporting those in need in partnership with amazing organizations such as Philabundance, Everybody Eats Philly and Change Church. Chef has also supported the Philabundance community kitchen through cooking demos as well as hosting interns. She looks forward to upcoming collaborations with the regional C-Cap program in the fall and spring.

Additionally, Chef Georgeann is an ambassador and prior mentorship coordinator for MAPP Impact, advocating for and supporting women in the culinary industry. MAPP also partners with the National Partnership for Women and Families advocating for laws that support working families like affordable, accessible childcare and paid family leave. She was also honored to be invited as a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier’s Philadelphia chapter and Sisterly Love. She has donated time to helping other women in the industry offering her expertise through restaurant consulting. Her career continues to evolve as she seeks new food, advocacy and learning experiences which in turn, will allow her to share her knowledge through continued community involvement.

Natalia Hagan

Natalia Lepore Hagan is the owner of Midnight Pasta company. Natalia throws pasta parties where she teaches partygoers to make pasta and then curates a family style five course feast. Natalia grew up making pasta with her grandfather and carries on this tradition weekly in her classes. A touring Broadway actress with a culinary degree from August Escoffier school of culinary arts, Natalia brings excitement, tradition and skill to her classes and parties!

“The Emcee” Spike Eskin

Spike Eskin is the host of the Afternoon Show on 94WIP along with Ike Reese and Jack Fritz, as well as the long-running 76ers podcast The Rights To Ricky Sanchez. Spike returned to WIP in April after serving as the Vice President of Programming for WFAN (New York) and Infinity Sports Network. A 30 year radio veteran, Spike has also been the Program Director at 94WIP, as well as Assistant Program Director and Music Director of 94WYSP (Philadelphia) and Q101 (Chicago).

Previous Winners

Robert Ryan Catering & Design 2019

The Blue Elephant 2021

Sedona Taphouse 2022

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Email
bite4thefight@ gmail.com