In Northern New Jersey, something remarkable has taken root—an ever-growing movement of restaurateurs, retailers, and community members joining forces to tackle one of society’s most pressing issues: hunger.
At the heart of this effort is the connection between the community and solving the issue. It begins with individuals and businesses stepping forward to create a solution.
In this case, a business and its visionary leadership: Ralph Lauretta of Sal Lauretta for Men has done exactly that. With his friend Joey Mazza, the Behind the Seams Fashion Show was born.
The collaboration is set to return for its 15th year on Wednesday, May 14, at the elegant Bottagra Restaurant in Hawthorne. For the first time, Lauretta and Mazza have teamed with Table to Table, New Jersey’s first and largest food rescue nonprofit.
This high-energy evening, blending gourmet food, fashion, and philanthropy, is more than just a celebration—it’s a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when people rally for a cause greater than themselves.
What started as an idea between friends over fashion and charity has grown into a full-scale, high-impact collaboration transforming the way businesses give back. From year one, the event has supported community-focused nonprofits.
Now, with Table to Table as the beneficiary, the impact goes far beyond glamour—it feeds lives. For Heather Thompson, Executive Director of Table to Table, the partnership has been transformative.
“Table to Table has always been about rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste and delivering it free of charge to organizations that serve the hungry,” she said. “Events like Behind the Seams are vital—they not only raise funds but raise awareness.”
In the last 25 years, Table to Table has rescued over 120,700 tons of food, providing the equivalent of 241 million meals to neighbors in need across Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic counties. The environmental impact is equally profound, with 544 metric tons of methane emissions prevented thanks to reduced food waste.
The upcoming May 14 event promises a full evening of delights: a lavish cocktail hour, gourmet tasting stations, and a high-energy runway show under a beautifully tented outdoor space. Fashion will be front and center, with Sal Lauretta for Men and Boutique 811 showcasing their 2025 spring/summer lines.
“We wanted to do something that felt fun, fashionable, and full of purpose,” Lauretta noted. “Every year we try to outdo ourselves—not just with the clothes, but with the cause.”
The event also includes silent and live auctions with one-of-a-kind experiences: a dinner for ten at local favorite Brick House, a tasting event from Partida Tequila hosted by Cubita Café in Nutley, and even a private dinner at home prepared by Saddle River Inn Chef Jamie Knott, often regarded as one of New Jersey’s best culinary talents.
New Jersey throws away an estimated 3 billion pounds of food annually, yet nearly 1 million residents still struggle with hunger. For those involved, the stakes are personal.
“I’ve always believed our store should be a platform for change,” Lauretta detailed. “With Table to Table, it’s local, it’s tangible, and you see the impact in your own backyard.”
That sentiment is shared by Thompson, who added, “For every dollar raised through Behind the Seams, we’re able to deliver enough food for ten meals. That’s real impact. That’s lives changed.”
While Behind the Seams is a major highlight, it’s only one part of a year-round effort. Table to Table relies on a dedicated network of volunteers, businesses, and donors to operate its food rescue logistics.
Their I-Rescue App empowers individuals to become “Food Rescue Heroes,” allowing them to pick up surplus food and deliver it directly to community partners—often in under an hour. “Every delivery is a win for a family,” Thompson outlined. “And it’s often thanks to someone who just wanted to make a difference on their lunch break.”
Over the years, Behind the Seams has raised over $2 million for various charities. For Table to Table, this year’s proceeds will go directly into operations that ensure nutritious food reaches those who need it most—and quickly. “This isn’t about a handout. It’s about dignity,” Thompson concluded.
“We match food to the communities where it will make the biggest difference. That requires speed, trust, and the kind of collaboration that events like Behind the Seams make possible.”
Whether you’re a restaurant owner with surplus food, a distributor looking to donate regularly, or a retailer seeking to host a fundraising event, the Table to Table team wants to hear from you.
Businesses and individuals can contact Heather Thompson directly through TableToTable’s website or reach out via the I-Rescue App to become a hands-on part of this transformative movement. Because when restauranteurs, retailers, and residents come together, something truly amazing happens—not just a meal, but a moment of hope.
