In the fall of 1993, three of New Jersey’s world-class chefs, Michael Schlow, Edward Stone and Craig Shelton, along with their publicist, Diane Carr, set out on a mission to present to the dining public an extraordinary culinary evening, unlike any other, that would bring their friends and colleagues together to benefit children in need.

The scope of the event would be small, intimate and incorporate the talents of guest chefs from all over the United States. Thus, in the spring of 1994 the first “A Dinner of Hope” was held at the Bernards Inn, in New Jersey. Since that time, an annual dinner has been presented, each with a unique culinary cast and location, and each making a significant contribution to a children’s charity. In August of 1996, A Dinner of Hope® was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, registered with the State of New Jersey and the federal government. A Dinner of Hope is proud to have raised over three million dollars for New Jersey’s children in need.

In 2005, Creative Heartwork assumed the legal transfer of the name and logo for A Dinner of Hope and it continues to offer a stellar culinary experience in the tradition of its founders by seeking celebrity chefs to produce the annual black tie dinner to benefit children.

Creative Heartwork is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of children ages 5-17 who experience(d) trauma, loss, illness and disabilities. Through the therapeutic use of the visual, performing, literary and even culinary arts, professional artists and chefs are paired with Master's level, board certified creative arts therapists to provide small group and individual creative arts therapeutic workshops to children in need regardless of ability to pay for services.

This year's 2010 Dinner of Hope theme will raise almost one third of our operating budget in one night! The "Farm to Table" organic cuisine theme was selected to highlight our culinary arts therapy programs and nature based therapeutic arts programs designed for children who experienced trauma related obesity, disordered eating, and dietary restrictions due to illness or medical regimes. In addition, unlike any other year, Creative Heartwork has strategically aligned with the Morris County InterFaith Food Pantry to donate food used in staging the event as a marketplace and provide a small donation  in lieu of presenting awards to our sponsors. Their dietician will be providing the recipients with recipes that will include the produce donated the day after the event. Hence, this year, everyone benefits from A Dinner of Hope with farm fresh local foods regardless of income!

Future plans include offering a program to the children of indigent families served by the InterFaith Food Pantry.