Batali, Boulud, Ripert Lead Star Chefs Spicing Fundraiser Galas

When the Food Bank for the Heartland in Nebraska enlisted Food Network’s Duff Goldman last year for its annual event, the “Ace of Cakes” star helped raise $250,000, a record for the Omaha food party.

“It’s hard to turn down charity events,” Goldman said in an interview before the Culinary Institute of America’s March gala. “When I have to say ‘no,’ it feels like a knife goes through me.”