In the fall of 1993, three of New Jersey’s world-class chefs, Michael Schlow, Edward Stone and Craig Shelton, along with their publicist, Diane Carr, set out on a mission to present to the dining public an extraordinary culinary evening, unlike any other, that would bring their friends and colleagues together to benefit children in need.

The scope of the event would be small, intimate and incorporate the talents of guest chefs from all over the United States. Thus, in the spring of 1994 the first “A Dinner of Hope” was held at the Bernards Inn, in New Jersey. Since that time, an annual dinner has been presented, each with a unique culinary cast and location, and each making a significant contribution to a children’s charity. In August of 1996, A Dinner of Hope was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, registered with the State of New Jersey and the federal government. A Dinner of Hope is proud to have raised over three million dollars for New Jersey’s children in need.

In 2005, Creative Heartwork assumed the legal transfer of the name and logo for A Dinner of Hope and it continues to offer a stellar culinary experience in the tradition of its founders by seeking celebrity chefs to produce the annual black tie dinner to benefit children.

Creative Heartwork is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of children ages 5-17 who experience(d) trauma, loss, illness and disabilities. Through the therapeutic use of the visual, performing, literary and even culinary arts, professional artists and chefs are paired with Master's level, board certified creative arts therapists to provide small group and individual creative arts therapeutic workshops to children in need regardless of ability to pay for services.

This year's thematic Dinner of Hope event, "Sunset on the Serengeti" was chosen to tout the international mural exchange that took place between HIV infected and affected Newark children and children in Nairobi, Kenya. A Dinner of Hope is held to ensure the sustainability of the children's healing arts programs. Over 40% of Creative Heartwork's operating monies is raised in this one evening! Proceeds from this year's Dinner will fund New Jersey programs in Morris and Essex counties as well as in First Children in Fanwood serving medically fragile children and children with moderate to profound disabilities.