As the season shifts and we head into October, I find myself reflecting more on gratitude. Not just the kind we save for a big meal in late November but, and perhaps more importantly, theeverydaykind. The quiet, continuous practice of giving thanks, giving back, and doing what we can to support the people and places that make life richer.
That’s part of why I started All the Restaurants. Every hand-drawn print is my way of honoring a place. Of slowing down to reallysee itand share that view with others. But drawing is only one way to give back. Supporting the communities these restaurants serve is another. AndI’ve been lucky enough to do both.
Earlier this year, something extraordinary happened. Thanks to your purchases, we raised $3,000 for the Children’s Hospitalof Philadelphia.
Whether you bought a print to remember a special meal, gifted one to a friend, or picked one up just because it made you feel something—you became part of something bigger. And Ican’t thank you enough.
It’s easy to rush past a familiar storefront. For me, every print begins with stopping that rush—sitting down and capturing not just the outline of a building, butits true spirit. I spend hours detailing the way the sun hits a faded neon sign, or the vibrant energy that spills out onto the sidewalk. When you buy a print,you're purchasing this intense moment of observation, frozen in time as a tangible memory.
This is wherethe art and the mission connect. The print on your wall becomes a piece of quiet permanence, and thatpurchaseimmediately createsa financial impact for our charity partners. It completes a cycle of appreciation: Gratitude for the place inspires the art, the purchase funds the donation, and the donation supports thecommunity. Choosing a print is an investment in what makes ourneighborhoods resilient and vibrant.
Over the years,I’ve used this project to raise funds for organizations doing important work in and around New York City. Whetherit’s addressing food insecurity, preserving the city’s historic neighborhoods, or supporting those who keep the restaurant world turning, these nonprofits help NYC stay resilient—and human.
I’m proud to say All the Restaurants has supported:
City Harvest, which rescues food to feed New Yorkers in need
Historic Districts Council, which protects the city’s architectural and cultural heritage
Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation, which helps hospitality workers thrive
Brooklyn Community Services, which was founded in 1866 and partners with people across the borough to overcome obstacles on their pathway toward self-determination.
The Puerto Rican Day Parade's Scholarship fund, which helps aid students of Puerto Rican descent that are making a difference in their communities.
In each case, selected print proceeds have gone directly to these organizations.It’sa simple way to give twice: once to the person receiving the print, and again to the city that inspires it.
Restaurants are placesof gathering and memory.They’re where birthdays are toasted, reunions are held, and first dates begin.They’re also small businesses, employers, landmarks, and lifelines. When we support them—through art, through action—we support our communities.
Each of my prints is part of a limited edition of 365. That number’s not random.It’s a reminder thatevery day counts — and that even small, personal acts of appreciation can ripple outward.
We’re not at the Thanksgiving table just yet, but October feels like the start of something reflective. The air shifts. People start planning. Andthere's a renewed focus on what (and who)we’re grateful for.
Ifyou're in that mindset already,or ifyou’re just starting to think about gifts with more meaning,I invite you to look at the collection. There are drawings of your favorite neighborhood gems and faraway favorites. Some support nonprofits. All support the spirit of memory and community.
Here’s todrawing more,giving more, andsharing stories that help keep our cities connected.
