The Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, a program of Emeril Lagasse Foundation that uplifts the lives of Latino youth through food, held its 2nd annual Aarón y Amigos presented by PEPSI® on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at SPEEDVEGAS in Las Vegas, NV.
The event raised over $264,000 to advance The Impact Fund’s culinary education programs, food access initiatives, and human services work. A portion of the proceeds will be re-granted within the Las Vegas community to further support local impact.
“We are deeply grateful for the support from the Las Vegas community and our friends from across the country who joined us in this effort,” said Chef Aarón Sánchez. “The funds raised will enable us to provide food access, nutrition education, and culinary arts programming for Latino youth nationwide.”
Guests enjoyed a thrilling evening of high-speed driving experiences and a curated menu prepared by renowned chefs, including Michael Schwartz (The Genuine Hospitality Group), Sam Choy (Sam Choy’s Ohana Diner), Ronnie Rainwater (The Emeril Group), and John Baez (Border Grill and BBQ Mexicana). Signature wines, tequila cocktails, and expertly paired dishes rounded out the festivities.
This year’s event built on the momentum of the inaugural Aarón y Amigos, held in October 2023 at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, AZ, which raised over $145,000 through sponsorships, ticket sales, and a live auction. “We are thrilled that Chef Aarón’s passion for this cause inspires others to join him each year and help us raise awareness across the country,” said Emeril Lagasse Foundation President Brian Kish. “As a program of the Foundation, The Impact Fund shares the overarching mission to create opportunities to inspire, mentor, and enable youth to reach their full potential.”
Since 2016, The Impact Fund has awarded 19 culinary arts scholarships to young Latinos valued at over $1.2 million. It is expanding its efforts into human services focused on nutrition education and food access. These complementary efforts reflect a shared commitment to empowering young people through education, mentorship, and access to resources for lifelong success.
The 2024 Aarón y Amigos presented by PEPSI® was made possible by the generous support of PEPSI®, Intermountain Health, Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, Beans and Rice, The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley, Tequila Cazadores, Danica Rosé, Somnium, AXR Napa Valley, Soundbite Productions, EB Inc. Event Rentals, Hassell Cattle Company, and Food & Beverage Magazine.
