Matt Damon Spices Up Boston With Star-Studded Culinary Event

Matt Damon Takes on Sous-Chef Role for a Cause

BOSTON (WHDH) – Hollywood heartthrob Matt Damon swapped his script for a spatula in Boston this past Monday night, dazzling attendees as he donned the apron of a sous-chef. At the center of the action was Cooking Live Boston, a spirited event dedicated to raising funds for families affected by cancer.

The Cambridge native was seen lending a hand to Boston's own culinary maestro, Iron Chef Ming Tsai, at the iconic Boston Harbor Hotel. Together, they rolled out a night to remember, complete with a lively cocktail hour, captivating cooking demos, and tantalizing multi-course meals.

“I think as long as no one eats the food I prepare, we’re gonna be in good shape,” Damon joked, bringing laughs to the crowd.

Cooking for a Cause

Every penny collected from the event was dedicated to Family Reach, a Boston-based nonprofit on a mission to ease the financial burden on families grappling with cancer by covering essentials like food, housing, and utilities.

Damon passionately expressed, “People just shouldn’t have to choose between treatment and, you know, food on the table. It’s just really, profoundly beautiful work that they’re doing. The impact is amazing on the families that they’re able to reach.”

Star-Studded Culinary Line-Up

Adding more flavor to the night were culinary heavyweights such as James Beard Award winners Chef Ken Oringer and Chef Paul Bartolotta, alongside Chef David Daniels and Chef Joanne Chang. Guests had the chance to savor expertly crafted hors d’oeuvres, witness the chefs in action, and hear heartfelt stories from families who have benefited from Family Reach.

The night concluded with an exclusive VIP afterparty, leaving attendees inspired and moved.

A Legacy of Giving

This isn’t Ming Tsai’s first rodeo with Cooking Live – he’s been a dedicated supporter for decades. “There’s just nothing that makes you feel better than when you know you can leave the world a better place,” Tsai shared, echoing the evening’s sentiment.

This year, Cooking Live ambitiously aimed to raise over $1.5 million, casting a wide net of support for families across the nation.