Hot Bread Kitchen was honored to once again be part of the Annual Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund Benefit at Chelsea Market. The evening brought together more than 130 of New York City’s best chefs and mixologists to celebrate Anne’s legacy and support young farmers and the future of American artisan cheese. From the very first bite to the last conversation of the evening, the air buzzed with generosity, creativity, and the spirit of community that Anne built her life around.
For the event, our own Chef Charlene prepared something truly special: 800 bites of Golden Challah Bread Pudding made with Hot Bread Kitchen’s very own challah bread. This decadent dessert was our way of weaving HBK’s signature bread into a recipe that felt both nostalgic and celebratory. Guests loved the rich, comforting sweetness of a dessert built from the bread we hold so dear to our mission. Seeing hundreds of people enjoy our challah in such a festive setting was a proud moment for our team.
The night held a personal and moving moment for us as well when Pam Saxelby, Anne’s mother, stopped by our table to thank us personally for participating. Her kindness and gratitude were a reminder of why this event is so meaningful. The Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund isn’t just about preserving tradition, it’s about nurturing the next generation of farmers, producers, and food entrepreneurs, all values that resonate deeply with us.
Throughout the evening, we connected with other chefs, guests, and supporters who share our passion for building a more inclusive, sustainable food system. The benefit raised crucial funds for apprenticeships and programs that help young farmers thrive, which in turn keeps small farms alive and artisan foods accessible. Being part of this ecosystem, one that values craft, care, and community, is exactly why we do the work we do.
We’re so grateful to the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund and Chelsea Market for hosting such an inspiring night and for inviting Hot Bread Kitchen to be part of it. Events like these remind us why we support entrepreneurs and create opportunities for economic mobility: because food brings people together, builds bridges, and honors the legacies that came before.
