Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund’s 5th Annual Benefit

On Thursday, September 17, Chelsea Market hosted the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund (ASLF) and transformed its halls for the 5th Annual ASLF Benefit,  bringing together more than 130 of New York City’s leading chefs, artisans, and mixologists for an unforgettable evening of food, drink, and community.

This one-night-only culinary event honors the legacy of Anne Saxelby—the pioneering cheesemonger who championed American artisan cheese and sustainable agriculture. Proceeds support ASLF’s monthlong paid apprenticeships, which place young adults on sustainable farms to work, learn, and be inspired to create change in their communities.  Founded in 2021 after Anne Saxelby’s sudden passing, ASLF was created to carry forward her belief that good food—and the farmers behind it—can change the world.

The program has supported nearly 300 apprenticeships across more than 60 sustainable farms nationwide. ASLF affords a unique opportunity for young adults to immerse themselves in the heart of the sustainable American food movement by providing life-changing experiences in an inclusive and equitable manner: the program supports all wages, travel, and lodging, which puts the opportunity within reach for everyone. ASLF also offers mentorship and alumni programming designed to illuminate long-term career pathways across farms and food systems.  A growing number of ASLF alumni have gone on to become full-time employees at partner farms and sustainable food businesses nationwide—a powerful reflection of the program’s impact. 

Guests had the rare opportunity to sample dishes from many of the city’s most sought-after restaurants—all under one roof—including Ha’s Snack Bar, Win Son, Le Veau d’Or, Via Carota, Claud, Gramercy Tavern, Carbone, and more, alongside offerings from Chelsea Market’s celebrated tenants, including Pearl River Mart, Dickson’s Farmstand Meats, and Very Fresh Noodles.

Now in its fifth year, the Annual Benefit has become a beloved fixture on the city’s culinary calendar, uniting an unparalleled community of hospitality leaders—many of them longtime friends and collaborators of Anne—who continue to honor her legacy while supporting one of the few programs in the country that pays young adults to gain hands-on experience working on sustainable farms side-by-side with the farmers producing our nation’s highest quality foods. 

ASLF’s mission will be front and center throughout this year’s event, highlighting not only the culinary experience but also the broader movement to support the workforce behind sustainable food systems. These apprentice cohorts have the potential to reshape the future of agriculture.

Pastry chef Caroline Schiff, a generous supporter of ASLF and its Annual Benefit for the past 4 years, shares,  “Anne would have been elated to see all of this… ASLF is one of her dreams realized.”

New this year, the Benefit will introduce a limited number of Private Suites for groups of 25 to 150 guests, offering unique customizable experiences within select Chelsea Market spaces, including Ayada and N Between Bar. These spaces will offer exclusive tastings, dedicated staff, and early access through a separate entrance, providing an intimate way to gather with friends and/or clients while remaining immersed in the energy of the event. 

In addition, the VIP Lounge returned at The Tippler, featuring exclusive tastings and curated cocktails.

The evening also featured a silent auction and raffle with exclusive dining experiences, coveted reservations, and travel opportunities, launching online in early September. 

In keeping with Anne Saxelby’s commitment to sustainability, ASLF and participating restaurants have pledged to minimize waste through composting and reduced single-use materials.

About Chelsea Market 

Since it opened its doors to the public in 1997, Chelsea Market has been the insider’s resource for artisanal goods in Manhattan. Chelsea Market is an authentic destination for culinary connoisseurs, chefs and local residents. Serving as the bridge between two iconic Manhattan neighborhoods, Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market continues its commitment to the artisanal marketplace and craft manufacturing, and to the community that surrounds it. For more information, visit www.chelseamarket.com. Follow Chelsea Market on Facebook and Instagram @chelseamarketny. 

About Jamestown

Jamestown is a global real estate investment and management company with over 40 years of experience creating places that foster innovation and build community. As of December 31, 2025, Jamestown manages $14.1 billion in assets across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. Jamestown employs more than 600 people globally across 11 offices, including headquarters in Atlanta and Cologne. Through its vertically integrated platform, Jamestown brings a design-focused, hospitality approach to diverse product types, including retail, office, residential, mixed-use, and grocery-anchored shopping centers. Jamestown’s current and previous projects include One Times Square and Chelsea Market in New York, Industry City in Brooklyn, Ponce City Market in Atlanta, and Groot Handelsgebouw in Rotterdam. For more information, visit www.jamestownlp.com.