Top Memphis chefs to help raise funds for Lifedoc expansion

Jennifer Chandler, Memphis Commercial Appeal
·3 min read

After their son’s treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dr. Pedro Velasquez and his wife, Astrid, made a pledge to change the city that had saved their son.

Since Pedro Jr. entered remission in 2001, Dr. Velasquez has dedicated himself to impacting Memphis’ most underserved communities — including through Lifedoc, a healthcare nonprofit that he and Astrid founded in 2009.

Lifedoc’s goal is to improve patient outcomes, reduce medical expenses from health complications and build healthier communities by preventing diabetes and obesity through healthcare and research.

Now, Lifedoc is looking to impact even more people with an expansion.

Lifedoc will host its inaugural Healthier Memphis Gala on March 23, 2023. Lifedoc's founders, the Velasquez family, have partnered with 11 Memphis chefs for the event. From left to right, Chef David Krog of Dory, Lifedoc founder Dr. Pedro Velasquez Sr., Lifedoc Dorector of Finance and Investments Gabe Velasquez, chef Jose Gutierrez of River Oaks and Lifedoc Executive Director Pedro Velasquez Jr.

“After 14 years of success at our multispecialty location, it is time to expand it so that we can serve more patients through our innovative approach,” said Gabe Velasquez, Lifedoc's director of finance and investments. “We thought that the best way to raise funds for our expansion was a big party, a gala, so that we can involve our friends, family and all the people who have supported us all these years, with a night of fun, fantastic food by some of the best chefs in town, very fun live auction items, but most importantly, support for Lifedoc’s mission.”

Eleven of Memphis’ top chefs are coming together to cook at Lifedoc’s inaugural Healthier Memphis Gala on March 23 at 409 South Main.

Lifedoc enlisted Chef Jose Gutierrez of River Oaks restaurant to put together an incredible lineup of Memphis chefs and wines.

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“Chefs are passionate people specially when it comes to a good cause," Gutierrez said. "It was easy to convince me to do the right thing when someone wants to prevent diseases instead of curing them."

A new 25,000-square-foot facility, currently under construction at Lenox Park in the 38115 ZIP code, will enable Lifedoc to better serve patients. Proceeds from the Healthier Memphis Gala will support construction of the new facility.

What to expect at the Healthier Memphis Gala

The chef lineup includes top chefs like David Krog of Dory, Michael Patrick of The Capital Grille, Jimmy Gentry of The Lobbyist at Chisca and Frank Oysel of Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar. Live music and an auction will accompany the 11 courses being served.

Gentry said he is honored to be part of the fundraiser. “I have grown up in an industry that rarely has health care for its employees, and 30 years later, it’s still a privilege to be able to get it. It’s not due to greed, in most cases. Our industry has tight margins of profitability, and in some cases it’s hard to break even. This gala allows people with means to help others that may not be able, and to know how to navigate systems to receive the care they need.”

Amanda Krog, who owns Dory with her husband, David, said they are participating because of the Velasquez family’s commitment to St. Jude and Memphis.

“I read an article about the Velasquez family being at the airport to greet new families arriving for care at St. Jude. It made me smile because I know that greeting. It's the one you get from them whether you're in one of their homes or clinics or gathered in the lounge at the restaurant. Open arms, big warm smiles, and this genuine invitation right into their family,” she said. “The Velasquezes are interested and invested in the growth and health of Memphis and its people. Making healthcare more accessible is a huge deal, yet only a small piece of why we choose to show our support.”

Tickets start at $500 per person. For ticket information, email gala@lifedochealth.org.

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer. 

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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Top Memphis chefs to help raise funds for Lifedoc expansion