Helen Stephan
- Why did you get involved with the Toast to the Children event? Katie Freeborn asked me to join the Toast to the Children Committee in 2008. She is a dear friend so I thought it would be fun to do something with her and it also provided me with an opportunity to become involved in fundraising in the US, something I had been longing to do. I have had a life long history of fundraising but having moved from Australia and having recently started a family I hadn’t had the opportunity to pursue this passion of mine here in the US. Plus, the fact that we were planning a food and wine event didn’t hurt!
- What is your role and how are you personally contributing to the event’s success? This year is my third year as co-chair and this year I am heading up the VIP and Gift Bag Committee.
- What is your favorite NYC bar or restaurant recommendation? I have had a long love for ‘ino on Bedford as my favorite food is sandwiches and they specialize in paninis. Their food is consistently good and they have an interesting wine list. I also love Mole’ in the Meatpacking District. I love Mexican food and their food and margaritas are fantastic.
- Michael Jackson or Elvis? Neither really but if I had to pick one I’d pick a young Michael Jackson.
- If you could fill an entire room with something, what would it be? Balloons or bubbles? It would make my kids happy which would make me happy.
- What’s an item on your bucket list? To travel to Vietnam
Alishka Ostrander 
- Why did you get involved with the Toast to the Children event? I’m a social worker here at Bellevue in the Child Protection & Development Center and get to see firsthand how beneficial the Pediatric Programs are for our patients. Toast to the Children is a wonderful event which raises much needed funding so that they can continue. Knowing its importance, I wanted to help.
- What is your role and how are you personally contributing to the event’s success? I volunteered at the event in 2010 and 2011. Last year was my first time being a part of the planning committee. This year I am also on a committee and specifically working on VIP and gift bag donations.
- What is your favorite NYC bar or restaurant recommendation? This is a really tough question. I love Becco for dinner and anywhere in the Meatpacking District for drinks or brunch.
- Michael Jackson or Elvis? Michael Jackson.
Alison Lipman
- Why did you get involved with the Toast to the Children event? I got involved in the committee because Ron Longe asked me if I was interested after I had attended the dinner last year and had wonderful things to say about it.
- What is your role and how are you personally contributing to the event’s success? I am trying to be useful where I can but letting people know about the event and pitching in to volunteer where/when needed
- What is your favorite NYC bar or restaurant recommendation? So many wonderful places to choose from…One place that is kinda fun/different that I feel I’m never disappointed is The Bourgeois Pig – it has this sexy back alley in France vibe that I love and the drinks are really fun.
- Michael Jackson or Elvis? Michael Jackson
- If you could fill an entire room with something, what would it be? Bubbles
- What’s a song on the soundtrack of your life? Depends on the minute…
- What’s an item on your bucket list? To go on an African safari
Jessica Alberti 
- Why did you get involved with the Toast to the Children event? I went to my first Toast to the Children event at the Mandarin Oriental 6 years ago and LOVED it! As a foodie I was more than happy to enjoy special dishes from New York’s best restaurants AND to support charity. After spending some time traveling and taking an interest in the wine industry, I contacted Children of Bellevue to see if I could get involved with Toast. I was given a tour of the Children of Bellevue and was floored at the work being done. The marriage of a wonderful food event and supporting a non-profit that I felt passionately about was a no-brainer- I was in!
- What is your role and how are you personally contributing to the event’s success? I am a bit of a “Girl Friday,” working with the Chairs to ensure the success of Toast!
- What is your favorite NYC bar or restaurant recommendation? NYC Bar – The top of The Standard…feels like you are on top of the world in a golden champagne glass – enough said! NYC Restaurant – Spotted Pig – I am a sucker for a good burger and fries…plus it is down the street!
- Michael Jackson or Elvis? Michael Jackson – PYT…those were the days!
- If you could fill an entire room with something, what would it be? A room full of family & friends who live far away.
- Name a song on the soundtrack of your life: You get what you give – the New Radicals
- What’s an item on your bucket list? Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
