The Food Allergy Initiative presented the 11th Annual Food Allergy Ball at the Waldorf, a black-tie gala that helped raise an extraordinary $5 mil for research and educational programs. A national non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for life-threatening food allergies, FAI also supports public policy initiatives to create safer environments for the estimated 12 million sufferers in the U.S. Guests rallied for a vital cause: food allergies are on the rise, and approximately 6% of American children under age three are affected.

Chairs David and Julia Koch, Sharyn Mann, Todd Slotkin, Patricia and James Cayne, and Mary Richardson Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were joined by a contingent of dedicated parents, grandparents, and concerned friends. This year, Bette and Richard Saltzman, David and Denise Bunning, and Marcus Samuelsson were honored for their commitment to bettering the lives of those with food allergies. As a finale to this night of inspiration and celebration, guests were delighted by an exclusive performance by Kelli O’Hara and David Pittsinger of Broadway’s South Pacific.