This past May during Celiac Disease Awareness Month, student advocate Kimaya Soin hosted the second Emerald Benefit. Kimaya was diagnosed with celiac disease at only four years old, and founded the Emerald Benefit fundraiser in 2025 to bring the community together and raise vital funds in support of the Celiac Disease Foundation’s mission to advance celiac disease awareness, education, and research. To this day, the Emerald Benefit fundraiser has raised nearly $70,000 for the Celiac Disease Foundation, and this is only the beginning. Kimaya is motivated by the success of the event to set next year’s fundraising goal even higher. Her dedication is a shining example of the impact one person’s actions can have on a whole community, and how that impact can inspire others to take action.
Continue reading below to learn more about Kimaya’s story founding the Emerald Benefit and the 2026 event.
Congratulations on the success of the 2026 fundraiser! Can you provide a brief overview of the event?
The Emerald Benefit is an annual fundraiser supporting celiac disease research and awareness through the Celiac Disease Foundation’s Team Gluten-Free Program. The event brings together families, students, medical professionals, local businesses, and members of the gluten-free and celiac community for an evening centered on research, advocacy, storytelling, and connection.
In May 2026, the Emerald Benefit raised over $50,000 and welcomed 115 attendees. While fundraising is a major part of the event, the Emerald Benefit is also about building a stronger community and giving people affected by celiac disease a voice.
What inspired you to found the Emerald Benefit fundraiser?
I was diagnosed with celiac disease when I was four years old, so this cause has shaped much of my life. Growing up with celiac disease showed me how misunderstood it often is and how isolating it can feel, especially when people view it as just a diet or food preference rather than a serious autoimmune disease.
I started this fundraiser simply to raise money for celiac disease research and treatment, a cause especially important to me since I hope to contribute to celiac disease research in the future. However, this fundraiser has grown into so much more. It’s a place for people to learn, connect, and celebrate.
Can you tell us more about how this event helps build and celebrate the celiac disease community?
At the 2026 event we had two young girls share their experiences with celiac disease which was very impactful. It’s an opportunity for people to learn more about celiac disease, since we have had a guest speaker the past two years and plan to have a panel at the 2027 event. The fundraiser is also a place for us to celebrate how far we have come in celiac research and awareness, even though we still have a long way to go.
We also feature a tasting showcase at the event, with gluten-free food from local restaurants. It’s a chance for people with celiac disease to eat worry-free, which is such a special experience.
When is the 2027 Emerald Benefit?
The next Emerald Benefit will take place on Friday, June 18, 2027, with a goal of continuing to grow the event, expand community involvement, and raise even more for celiac disease research.
Those who are interested in supporting the cause can still donate at https://give.celiac.org/TheEmeraldBenefit-Fundraiser2026 or check out the Emerald Benefit website to learn more: emeraldbenefit.org.