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# Nancy Silverton, Pink’s Hot Dogs and culinary stars unite at UCLA to fight childhood cancer
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/nancy-silverton-pinks-hot-dogs-and-culinary-stars-unite-at-ucla-to-fight-childhood-cancer/
- Published: 2026-10-27T10:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-27T10:00:00.000Z
- Author: Michelle Edgar
- Tags: Events, Los Angeles

From Nancy Silverton personally handing out Bangkok-inspired fruit popsicles to Pink’s Hot Dogs serving its original 1939 recipe, some of the nation’s most celebrated culinary names gathered at UCLA on Saturday, Oct. 17, for the 14th annual L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade fundraiser supporting childhood cancer research.

The sold-out event transformed UCLA’s Royce Quad into an outdoor culinary celebration featuring more than 60 culinary participants, bringing together chefs, restaurateurs and supporters to raise funds for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. “How can you say no? What a cause,” Silverton said. “It really brings our people together with the spirit of generosity, and that’s what it means to me. Good food and generous people.”

Silverton served five flavors of fruit popsicles from passion fruit, coconut, strawberry, black currant and mango, inspired by traditional freezing equipment she discovered on the streets of Bangkok roughly 25 years ago.

She recalled bringing two of the devices home in her luggage and recently purchasing replacements specifically for the fundraiser. “I thought they would be a great thing to do for this event, ‘cause there’s so many kids here,” she said. Silverton, who began participating in the fundraiser when it was held in Philadelphia, said the cause continues to bring the culinary community together.

For Richard and Gloria Pink, whose family’s legendary Hollywood hot dog stand dates to 1939, participation has become an enduring tradition. “We have been doing this again for probably 15 years, and I can’t ever imagine stopping,” Richard Pink said, emphasizing the importance of raising money for pediatric cancer research.

The family served its original hot dog recipe, bringing a taste of Los Angeles culinary history to the gathering. “We’re feeding people and raising money and giving people a reason to come here and donate to Alex’s Lemonade,” Pink said.

Italian-inspired dishes were also on the menu, with Sorella by Giada of Las Vegas presenting chicken piccata meatballs. A representative of the restaurant described feeding people and helping children as two favorite reasons for participating in the fundraiser, noting that the meatball dish is popular at the Las Vegas restaurant.

Premium cookware company HexClad also participated in the culinary celebration, with chefs including Suzanne Goin of A.O.C., Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo of Jon & Vinny’s, New Orleans chef Donald Link of Herbsaint and Pêche Seafood Grill, and Seattle chef Jonathan Sundstrom of Lark preparing dishes using HexClad cookware.

The company’s involvement highlighted the collaboration between culinary brands and chefs in support of a shared philanthropic mission. “HexClad was proud to play a part in an unforgettable day, celebrating extraordinary food while raising vital funds for childhood cancer research,” said Rosie Herzog, Hexclad’s Director of Communications.

Santa Monica-area culinary participants included representatives of Sweet Rose Creamery, Huckleberry and Cosetta, underscoring the Westside restaurant community’s involvement in the annual fundraiser. Guests sampled dishes from participating chefs and took part in live and silent auctions benefiting childhood cancer research.

Since its inception, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade has raised more than $12 million, including over $1.3 million in 2025\. The foundation honors Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who began selling lemonade as a child to raise money for cancer research. Her efforts inspired a national nonprofit dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research and supporting families affected by the disease.

For the chefs and restaurateurs who return year after year, the gathering represents more than a showcase of culinary talent. As Silverton put it, the event is about “good food and generous people.”