The Center for Family Support Foundation 2026 Awards Dinner: Together for Opportunity
On Thursday, October 22, 2026, the Center for Family Support Foundation will gather supporters, participants, families, staff, partners, and community leaders for our 2026 Awards Dinner an Evening Together for Opportunity at Midtown Loft & Terrace at 267 5th Ave, NY, NY.
Each year, this special evening celebrates the people, partnerships, and programs that help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build independent, meaningful, and connected lives across New York and New Jersey. More than a celebration, the Awards Dinner is also one of CFS’ most important annual fundraisers—helping sustain innovative, person-centered programs that together create pathways to opportunity for more than 1,000 individuals and their families.
This year’s theme, Together for Opportunity, reflects what lies at the heart of the CFS mission to ensure that ambition, creativity, advocacy, independence, and community are met with the support systems and opportunities people need to thrive.
Guests will enjoy an inspiring evening of connection, storytelling, dinner, and celebration while learning more about the innovative work happening every day across the CFS community—from housing and employment supports to advocacy initiatives, creative programming, assistive technologies, and inclusive community experiences.
2026 Honorees
This year, CFS is proud to honor two extraordinary individuals whose leadership, partnership, and commitment to community reflect the values that drive our mission forward in extraordinary ways.
Jennifer Lazarus
Co-Chair, CFSNJ Board
Board Member, CFSSDS Board
Jennifer Lazarus has been a dedicated leader and advocate within the CFS community, serving as Co-Chair of the CFSNJ Board and as a member of the CFS Self-Directed Supports Board. Through her leadership, generosity, and longstanding commitment to the mission of CFS, Jennifer has helped strengthen programs and create opportunities that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives. Her collaborative spirit and deep investment in the CFS community continue to shape the organization’s future and impact.
Mell Goldman
Founder & CEO, All Boro Inc.
Mell Goldman is the Founder and CEO of All Boro Inc., a supporter and community partner of CFS. Through his leadership and commitment to service, Mell has helped foster partnerships grounded in inclusion, opportunity, and community impact. His support of organizations serving individuals with disabilities reflects a belief in building stronger, more connected communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
2026 Emcee
Gail Simmons
Culinary Expert,
Food Writer,
& Television Personality
Gail Simmons is a trained culinary expert, food writer, and dynamic television personality. Since the show’s inception in 2006, she has lent her expertise as a permanent judge, and now as an executive producer, on BRAVO’s Emmy-winning series Top Chef. Now entering its 24th season, Top Chef is rated the #1 food show on cable television. Gail was formerly co-host of the syndicated talk show The Good Dish and host of Iron Chef Canada. From 2004 to 2019, she served as special projects director at FOOD & WINE.
In February 2012, Gail published her first book, a memoir, titled Talking With My Mouth Full: My Life as a Professional Eater. Her first cookbook, Bringing It Home: Favorite Recipes from a Life of Adventurous Eating, was released in October 2017 and nominated for an IACP award for best general cookbook. Her third book, Guesting, is set to publish November 3, 2026 by Flatiron Books.
Gail frequently appears on daytime television shows such as TODAY on NBC, The Drew Barrymore Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show, and was named the #1 Reality TV Judge in America by The New York Post. She is co-founder of Bumble Pie Productions, and sits on the board of several nonprofit organizations, including City Harvest and Hot Bread Kitchen in NYC. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband Jeremy, and their two children, Dahlia and Kole.
Event Information
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Place: Midtown Loft & Terrace | 267 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016
Evening Program
6:00pm – 7:00pm: Cocktail Hour and Appetizers
7:00pm – 8:15pm: Dinner and Program
8:15pm – 10:00pm Drinks and Dessert
