Save the Date: A Gourmet Evening for our Children

"Tapeando por la Niñez" (Tapas for Children) is a premier gastronomic event supporting the boys and girls who are victims of abuse living at Hogar Niñito Jesús. For this special night, twelve (12) renowned Puerto Rican chefs will gather to create and prepare exquisite dishes for all attendees.

Participating Chefs include:

• Chef Gabriel (Gaby) Antúnez González (Hacienda Meat Center)

• Chef Raúl Correa (Hotel Water Club, Mist & Zest)

• Chef Xavier Pacheco (Jaquita Baya)

• Chef José Bengoa (El Ñaqui)

• Chef Piñeiro

• Chef Fernando Narváez (A la Brasa Lechón Bar)

• Chef José Juan Cuevas (Hotel Vanderbilt, 1919 Restaurant)

• Chef René Marichal (Avocado Restaurant)

• Chef Yolanda Bolívar (Hacienda Meat Center)

• Chef Martin Louzao (Cocina Abierta)

• Chef Ariel Rodríguez (Ariel Restaurant)

The event will take place on Saturday, September 17, at 7:00 PM at the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration of the University of Puerto Rico, Carolina Campus.

Joining the culinary team, La Factoría—ranked as one of the 50 best bars in the world—will feature a cocktail station serving two specialty drinks. Additionally, a Sommelier from Justin Vineyard & Winery and Landmark Vineyard will be present to guide guests on the perfect wine pairings for each tapa.

"We are deeply grateful to these magnificent chefs who are donating their time, as well as La Factoría and our wine sponsors," said Carlos Olivencia, President of the Board of Directors of Hogar Niñito Jesús. "This event is vital for raising funds to continue our mission. We will also have a raffle, and we invite everyone to share their experience on social media using the hashtags #tapeoporlaninez and #hogarninitojesus."

Musical entertainment will be provided by the Fidel Morales Trio, the University of Puerto Rico Tuna (Río Piedras Campus), and the group Plenativa. The event also serves as a learning platform for culinary students from UPR Carolina, who will assist the chefs, sommelier, and bartenders.

"Last year’s pilot event with four chefs was so successful that they motivated us to create this larger gastronomic celebration," expressed Carmen Rivera Céspedes, Executive Director of the Home. "It will be a magical night of excellent cuisine, cocktails, and fine wine."

25 Years of Service In 2016, Hogar Niñito Jesús celebrates 25 years of providing a home filled with love, education, and health services to 23 children aged 0 months to 7 years. The Foundation is a registered non-profit with tax-exempt status under Section 1101.01 of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code and Section 501(c)(3) of the Federal IRS, making all donations 100% tax-deductible.

The Reality of the Mission "Maintaining each child costs approximately $2,500.00 monthly, while government reimbursements only cover about $700.00 per child," explained Carmen Rivera. "Despite the economic crisis, we ensure our children live a normal, healthy childhood—attending school, receiving medical care, and undergoing specialized speech, occupational, and physical therapies to overcome their past traumas through love and patience."

The Home employs 24 dedicated staff members, including caregivers, social workers, psychologists, and teachers, and serves as a practice center for university students in Social Work and Psychology.

Tickets are $100.00 per person (all-inclusive of food and drinks). For tickets and information, please call 787-748-5633 / 787-748-5682 / 787-748-5630 or email desarrollo@fhnj.org.