The Whirl: Stand Together Gala 2026

The Stand Together Gala at Whiskey Kitchen brought together chefs Coleen Speaks, Sunny Gerhart, Preeti Waas, Kyle Teears and Evan Cordes for an unforgettable evening celebrating food, community and compassion. The event raised over $100,000 to support NextStep Raleigh, a state-of-the-art paralysis recovery center helping individuals rebuild strength, independence and confidence through research-based therapy. Guests enjoyed inspired small plates and signature cocktails using Sutler’s Spirit Gin from
mixologist Tyler Greer.

Karen Thor, Scott Sullivan, Cameron Bridger
Randy Mason, Harris Mason, Anna Choi, Hunt Choi
Jim Shearin, Sue Shearin, Steve Werner, Kelly Damare, Megan Zaytoun, Miller Jenkins, Whitney Werner, Haynes Zaytoun, John Shearin, Judy Werner
Craig Stone, Courtney Hill, Melissa Rollman, Sean Rollman
Sunny Gerhart
Will Hopper, Kim Hopper, Ryley Hopper, Tim Hopper, Colby Hopper
Evan Cordes, Jim Passe, Sherhii Vinokurov

This article originally appeared in the February 2026 issue of WALTER magazine.

The Whirl