Family Reach Raises $1.3 Million at Cooking Live Boston to Support Families Facing Cancer
Annual culinary event brought together renowned chefs and philanthropic leaders to address the financial side effects of cancer.
Boston, MA – October 20, 2026 Family Reach, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping families facing cancer overcome the financial side effects, raised $1.3 million at Cooking Live Boston, its signature culinary fundraising event held Monday, October 19 at the Boston Harbor Hotel. The evening united celebrated chefs, corporate supporters, and community leaders in support of families struggling to afford essential needs during cancer treatment.
The funds raised will help Family Reach provide financial assistance, education, and resource navigation to families struggling to afford expenses such as groceries, housing, utilities, and transportation while navigating cancer treatment.
“Cancer affects far more than a family’s health. It can disrupt a family’s financial stability at the very moment they need support the most,” said Carla Tardif, CEO of Family Reach. “Raising $1.3 million in one evening is an extraordinary testament to what is possible when a community comes together around a shared purpose. We are deeply grateful to every guest, sponsor, chef, and supporter who helped make this night possible and are helping families focus on healing rather than financial hardship.”
An Unforgettable Evening of Culinary Talent and Generosity
Led by Iron Chef Ming Tsai, Cooking Live Boston featured an exceptional lineup of culinary talent, including Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Chef Toru Oga, Chef Jamie Mammano, Chef Ken Oringer, Chef Paolo Gama and Chef Joanne Chang. Guests enjoyed an evening of culinary experiences and entertainment while supporting Family Reach’s mission.
The event also featured a special birthday celebration for actor and filmmaker John Krasinski, who turned 47. In honor of his 47th birthday, 47 signed hats were auctioned off, with Krasinski matching the donation, adding a memorable and personal moment of generosity to the evening.
Lead sponsor Bank of America’s support also helped make the evening possible, demonstrating the importance of corporate partnerships in advancing Family Reach’s mission. Through the generosity of sponsors, donors, and community partners, Cooking Live Boston continues to build momentum for addressing the often-overlooked financial challenges that accompany cancer.
30 Years of Helping Families Focus on Healing
The 2026 event comes during Family Reach’s 30th anniversary year. For three decades, the organization has worked to reduce the financial burden of cancer by helping families navigate the essential expenses that can threaten their stability during treatment. Family Reach provides direct financial assistance, education, and resource navigation to help families manage these challenges.
As the organization marks 30 years of impact, Family Reach is working toward its anniversary campaign goal of raising $30 million to provide an additional 300,000 services to families facing cancer.
“Because cancer is hard enough,” Family Reach’s tagline, reflects the organization’s belief that families should not have to navigate the financial burden of cancer alone.
To learn more about Family Reach and support its 30th-anniversary campaign, visit FamilyReach.org.
About Family Reach
Family Reach is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families facing cancer overcome the financial side effects of treatment so they can focus on healing. Through financial assistance, education, and resource navigation, Family Reach helps families manage essential expenses and maintain stability throughout cancer treatment. For 30 years, the organization has worked to ensure that financial hardship does not stand between families and the support they need.
Learn more at FamilyReach.org.
Media Contact:
Ansley Howze
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