About The Emerald Benefit
The Emerald Benefit was founded by Kimaya Soin, a student, researcher, and passionate advocate who has lived with celiac disease since the age of four. What began as a personal challenge has become a lifelong mission: to raise awareness, fund vital research, and create a stronger, more supportive community for those affected by celiac disease.
In 2025, Kimaya and her family launched the inaugural Emerald Benefit, bringing together more than 70 guests, community leaders, and local businesses. The event raised $15,000 for the Celiac Disease Foundation through their Team Gluten-Free program, while also amplifying awareness through press coverage, heartfelt storytelling, and community engagement.
In 2026, The Emerald Benefit grew significantly, bringing together more than 100 attendees for an expanded evening of gluten-free food, community, advocacy, and fundraising. The event featured a fully gluten-free tasting showcase, live and silent auctions, community stories, and expert insights from Dr. Daniel O’Connell, pediatric gastroenterologist at UW Health Kids. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees, the event reached its goal of raising over $50,000, with about $40,000 being donated to the Celiac Disease Foundation after expenses and seed funding for the next year.
But this is still just the beginning. The 2027 Emerald Benefit is aiming to raise $75,000 and welcome 200 guests, with an even stronger program, expanded community involvement, and continued focus on research, awareness, and the lived experiences of those affected by celiac disease.
Beyond the fundraiser, Kimaya’s work includes publishing original research on public misconceptions about celiac disease, restarting the Gluten-Free Badgers student organization at UW–Madison, authoring an upcoming book for teens navigating the gluten-free journey, and planning a career in organic chemistry and medicine with the ultimate goal of contributing to celiac disease research and treatment.
The Emerald Benefit is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement. Every ticket, sponsorship, and donation fuels research, advocacy, and education. Together, we can transform the way the world understands celiac disease and bring hope to millions living with this invisible autoimmune condition.
The Story Behind the Name
The Emerald Benefit was named to reflect both the cause and the spirit of the event. The color green represents celiac disease awareness, a reminder of hope, strength, and the ongoing fight for better understanding and treatment. The emerald, the birthstone of May—Celiac Disease Awareness Month—symbolizes healing, renewal, and growth. Together, these meanings capture the purpose of the Emerald Benefit: to bring people together in support of research, awareness, and a healthier future for all those affected by celiac disease.
Where Your Donation Goes
Every dollar raised through The Emerald Benefit through Team Gluten-Free supports the Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF) and helps advance their mission to improve the lives of everyone affected by celiac disease.
Your support helps fund:
Research & Innovation – accelerating scientific discovery, improving diagnosis, and working toward better treatments
Education & Awareness – providing trusted resources for patients, families, schools, and healthcare providers
Advocacy & Community Support – empowering families, strengthening support systems, and increasing access to proper care
CDF is committed to transparency and responsible use of donor funds. You can view their official financials and annual reports to learn more about how donations are allocated.
Learn more: https://celiac.org/about-the-foundation/financials-and-annuals/
Contact us
Have a question or want to support The Emerald Benefit? We welcome sponsorships, item donations, media inquiries, general questions, and more. For more information, please visit our Contact Us page.