Albany Officials to Compete in Pearl Street Diner Cook-Off

Fundraiser event pairs local leaders with professional chefs to benefit sober living organization.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:12pm

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A vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration featuring a repeating grid of diner items like pancakes, coffee cups, and spatulas in bold, neon colors and high-contrast outlines, conceptually representing the festive community event.The Pearl Street Diner's cook-off fundraiser will bring a burst of creative energy and community spirit to Albany.Albany Today

The Pearl Street Diner in Albany, New York is hosting a cook-off fundraiser on April 25th that will pair local officials, including Mayor Dorcey Applyrs, Police Chief Brendan Cox, and Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindlon, with professional chefs. The event is a benefit for Hive of Hope, a local organization that supports sober living.

Why it matters

Community events that bring together local leaders and residents are important for fostering civic engagement and pride. The cook-off at the Pearl Street Diner highlights the diner's role as a gathering place, while also raising funds for an organization that provides critical support services.

The details

Each official will be randomly assigned to work with a professional chef to prepare a dish that will be judged by a panel. The cook-off is a fundraiser for Hive of Hope, a local non-profit that provides resources and community for those in recovery.

  • The cook-off event will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

The players

Dorcey Applyrs

The Mayor of Albany, New York.

Brendan Cox

The Police Chief of Albany, New York.

Lee Kindlon

The Albany County District Attorney.

Pearl Street Diner

A local diner in Albany, New York that is hosting the cook-off fundraiser.

Hive of Hope

A local non-profit organization that provides support and resources for sober living, and is the beneficiary of the cook-off fundraiser.

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What they’re saying

“Community events that bring people together are so important, especially when they also support great local organizations like Hive of Hope.”

— Dorcey Applyrs, Mayor of Albany

What’s next

The cook-off event on April 25th will determine the winning dish, with proceeds going to benefit Hive of Hope's sober living programs.

The takeaway

This cook-off fundraiser demonstrates how local businesses, government leaders, and non-profit organizations can collaborate to create community-building events that support important causes, like addiction recovery services.