As the 90/90 Campaign neared its conclusion, we weren’t ready to stop celebrating yet! The most festive month of the year was the perfect time for two more unforgettable gatherings that honored Jacques Pépin’s extraordinary legacy and the Jacques Pépin Foundation’s mission of expanding access to culinary education.
December 2, 2025 Skylight Presents: A Culinary Celebration of Jacques Pépin at The Domino Sugar Refinery in Brooklyn, NY
On Giving Tuesday, Brooklyn’s culinary elite gathered at the iconic Domino Sugar Refinery penthouse to celebrate Jacques’ 90th birthday. More than twenty chefs from Brooklyn and Manhattan created an impressive array of tasting stations, bars stocked with craft spirits and New York wines, and a truly spectacular birthday cake. The three-hour cocktail-style event showcased diverse culinary perspectives, with favorite dishes including Pinxto Matrimonio (puff pastry with anchovy and garlic) and Leeks Vinaigrette with Hazelnuts. Against the backdrop of stunning Manhattan skyline views, guests raised a glass to Jacques as they raised funds for the Foundation’s work to provide free culinary education to all and workforce training to those facing employment barriers.
December 18, 2025 Jacques’ Official Birthday Bash at Madison Beach Hotel in Madison, CT
After 18 months and 89 amazing events, the 90th celebration on Jacques’ actual 90th birthday was the crowning jewel of the 90/90 Campaign. Jacques, Claudine, and much of the JPF team welcomed guests to the sold-out event in Jacques’ adopted hometown at an historic beachfront resort with Connecticut’s finest culinary talent. Chefs Reneé Touponce, Emily Mingrone, and Terrance Brennan collaborated with the and Madison Beach Hotel’s culinary team led by Executive Chef Christophe Santos on an elegant four-course menu with wine pairings. Bread service and petite fours by Pastry Chef Adam Young made stunning edible centerpieces, and the evening concluded with an incredible birthday cake created by celebrated pastry chef Ron Ben-Israel.
The raucous live auction featured a fun moment of chef coat modeling from Jacques’ granddaughter, Shorey Wesen, and raised the vital funds needed to reach the financial goals of the 90/90 Campaign. Naseema Gilson of City Seed Sanctuary Kitchen shared what Jacques has meant to her and the program participants she serves, bringing home the importance of the work being done by JPF Grantee organizations everywhere.
90/90 Press
Thank you to all the chefs, guests, and supporters who made these final 90/90 events truly memorable—and thanks to these media outlets for taking notice:
- Chef José Andres’ Substack shared a touching tribute to Jacques during the week of his birthday.
- Secret NYC included the Skylight event in a roundup of hot December happenings in NYC.
- Edible Rhody Magazine let Rhode Islanders know about the many 90/90 events that happened there throughout the campaign and highlighted local JPF Grantee Community Kitchens.
- The Authentic Foodie Substack wrote an story about Jacques featuring of several 90/90 events, including the Skylight celebration in Brooklyn.
- Food and Wine Magazine honored Jacques on his birthday with a nice online article.
It has been such an honor and pleasure celebrating Jacques with chefs and friends nationwide throughout the campaign, and it has been especially gratifying to see so much generosity in support of the Foundation’s mission. As 2025 comes to a close, we are looking forward to having a moment in the new year to reflect on all that we accomplished together. We are excited to continue doing the work that is so close to Jacques’ heart, and to keep celebrating him with Happy Cooking for people everywhere.