On a crisp November evening in New York City, an exclusive group of artists, creatives, activists, and cultural leaders gathered at Phoenix Palace for a night that blended community, culinary heritage, and meaningful purpose. The occasion: a thoughtfully curated pop-up dinner celebrating the partnership between WhyHunger and GRAMMY-winning Guyanese-American artist SAINt JHN, in support of the nonprofit’s annual Hungerthon campaign.

Presented in collaboration with The Zankel Music Fund and El Dorado Rum, the evening served as a testament to the power of art and influence used for social change. With WhyHunger continuing its decades-long work to address the systemic causes of hunger in America, the partnership with SAINt JHN feels both intentional and personal—anchored in shared values, cultural roots, and a vision for a more equitable future.

A Dinner Rooted in Culture and Storytelling

Chef Zhan Chen of Potluck Club and Phoenix Palace crafted a Guyanese-Chinese menu that paid homage to SAINt JHN’s heritage and the multicultural influences that shape New York City. From the cuisine to the intimate space, every detail of the night embodied a celebration of identity, storytelling, and community.

Among the guests were notable names including Yola, Bloody Osiris, Ilfenesh Hadera, Emory Jones, GIGGS, Dre Hayes, Rachel Jackson, and other figures from music, fashion, film, and cultural activism—all brought together for a shared mission: elevating the conversation around food justice.

Amplifying a Mission Through Creative Influence

For WhyHunger, partnerships like this one underscore the strength of culture in driving awareness and inspiring change.

“We were thrilled to partner with SAINt JHN to amplify WhyHunger’s work and connect his fans and supporters to our mission,” said Jenique Jones, Executive Director of WhyHunger. “The power an artist has to impact positive change when they bring their authentic self to a cause they are passionate about cannot be understated.”

This year marks the 40th Hungerthon campaign, an initiative that raised over $1 million in 2023 and continues to mobilize support through radio partners like SiriusXM and iHeartRadio, as well as artists including Bruce Springsteen and Yoko Ono Lennon. The campaign not only raises funds but also sparks education around the inequalities that drive food insecurity in the United States and globally.

Fashion Meets Purpose

Alongside the dinner, SAINt JHN unveiled limited-edition Hungerthon merchandise— including a black hoodie and white t-shirt—available exclusively through Hungerthon.org. The drop merges the artist’s design sensibility with activism, offering fans a tangible way to support the mission.

WhyHunger: 50 Years of Changing the Narrative

2024 also marks a major milestone for WhyHunger, celebrating 50 years of global impact. Since its founding by Harry Chapin and Bill Ayres in 1975, the organization has remained committed to community-led solutions and the belief that access to nutritious food is a human right. Over the last five years alone, WhyHunger has invested $10.8 million into grassroots initiatives and connected more than 5.3 million people to healthy food resources across 24 countries.

This year’s Chapin Awards Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center raised an additional $600,000 for the cause, honoring Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo with the ASCAP Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award and recognizing CNN’s Laura Coates with the inaugural Bill Ayres Social Justice Award.

A Partnership That Sets a New Standard

The dinner at Phoenix Palace was more than an event—it was a model for what collaboration between artists and mission-driven organizations can look like when rooted in authenticity. SAINt JHN’s creative presence, global influence, and connection to heritage amplify WhyHunger’s message in a way that speaks to new audiences and new generations.

As hunger, economic inequality, and climate pressures continue to disproportionately affect marginalized communities, partnerships like this one illuminate a path forward: one where creativity, culture, and activism intersect to build a future where everyone has the right to nutritious food and the dignity that accompanies it.

All images credited to Brandon Vallejo.