2ND ANNUAL “SMALL BITES OF HOPE”

Last week the worlds of music, comedy and cooking converged on the LES for The second annual fundraiser Small Bites of Hope at  Vandal the Tao groups latest NY addition with executive chef/partner Chris  Santos. The culinary fundraiser was co-presented by Revolver- Metal Blade Records, Black Light Media, Jackson Guitars, Dark Matter Coffee and Nightowl Studios.  The menu was a collaboration between Santos and Chris Tsao of beat bobby flay fame and Metal Injection's web series, "Taste of Metal." The event  showcased Vandal's elevated street food, small-bite hors-d'oeuvres and signature cocktails

A celebrity auction tempted the Heavy Metal gods with a hot sauce created by Eddie Ojeda of Twisted Sister, a signed comedy album from Don Jameson from That Metal Show where all proceeds went to Hope for the Day. Hope for the Day is a Chicago-based nonprofit aimed at achieving proactive suicide prevention through mental health education and community-building initiatives  The charity's mission is to break the silence of those in need and support proactive suicide prevention and mental health education.

To commemorate Mental Health Awareness during the month of May, "SMALL BITES OF HOPE"  Co-hosted by Hatebreed's Jamey Jasta and Jesse Leach of Kill Switch Engage. Leach also hosted the inaugural Small Bites of Hope, held last May. Leach; "I'm honored to be a part of Small Bites of Hope once again," Leach and Jasta are both huge advocates of mental health awareness in both their lyrics and personal lives.

Santos said: "It's been a pleasure to have Chef Brian Tsao to be not only a part of our family at Beauty & Essex but also in the music industry! We're excited to host this fundraiser and to bring attention to the help that is needed for all of those affected by mental health issues. I'm excited to join Chef Brian Tsao on shedding light on this cause. Each in a statement. "Raising awareness and keeping the topic of mental health at the forefront of our community is crucial. It helps people realize they are not alone in this struggle."