Gala & Benefit Catering in New York City
Thoughtful food and attentive hospitality for the people who support your work. Food in Motion caters fundraising galas, benefit dinners and donor receptions, with menus and service planned around the evening’s program.
From our event archive: a tented gala reception.
From the welcome reception to the final course
We work with development teams, nonprofit organizers and venue partners to bring food, beverages, chefs, servers and rental coordination together. Whether the format is a passed reception, buffet or family-style dinner, we tailor the menu and service to your guests and setting.
Our catering plans account for guest arrivals, VIP service, remarks, performances and dessert. We coordinate service timing with the program and plan menu options around confirmed dietary needs.
From our event archive: passed hors d’oeuvres, ready for guests.
Galas and benefits in practice
A theater gala, an anniversary celebration and an intimate fundraising reception—three different ways to bring a community together.
St. Ann's Warehouse: from garden cocktails to gala dinner
Brooklyn · Gala reception and dinner
The brief: A gala planned for 400 guests, with a reception and dinner built around a live performance.
Our approach: We coordinated garden cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres before the performance, followed by a family-style dinner in the theater. Oyster po'boy bites and twice-baked potatoes with ramp crème fraîche led into grilled steak, seafood paella and a spring salad. Food and service moved with the evening's program, from the first welcome drink through dinner.
Waterwell: an anniversary gala at Greenpoint Loft
Brooklyn · Anniversary gala
The brief: An anniversary celebration with a VIP cocktail hour, a larger reception, buffet dinner and a program.
Our approach: Caviar toast points, oysters and miniature beef Wellingtons welcomed VIP guests before the evening expanded into a reception and buffet. Garlic-Parmesan chicken, grilled market fish, roasted vegetables and salad gave guests a choice of dinner dishes, with petite desserts completing the evening. We brought together the kitchen and service teams, bar service with client-provided alcohol, and rental coordination to support each stage of the celebration.
Dance to Unite: an intimate fundraising reception
Manhattan · Fundraising reception
The brief: A fundraising reception bringing supporters together over passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
Our approach: We planned a varied passed menu, from caviar toasts and grilled shrimp with lemon-basil aioli to vegetarian potato-poblano tacos and vegan edamame wontons. Strawberry-rhubarb tartlets and one-bite chocolates added a sweet finish, alongside French wines and watermelon-mezcal margaritas. Food, bar service, chefs, servers and rental coordination came together in one hospitality plan for an intimate setting.
Plan your gala or benefit
Tell us about your organization, event format, date, venue, guest count and overall budget. Share any program timing and dietary needs you already know, and we’ll shape a catering proposal around your evening.
212.766.4400 · foodinmotionnyc@gmail.com
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–7 PM. Office visits by appointment only.