Food Blog

Several food related fund-raising events are happening in Chicago. Here’s some info straight from the press releases.

Healthy Schools Campaign is holding its annual benefit at the Stadium Club at U.S. Cellular Field on Tuesday, Sept. 26. The night features celebrity chef demos – Gale Gand of Tru and Bruce Sherman of North Pond - along with an appearance by the youngest James Beard Award winners, Isabella & Olivia Gerasole of Spatulatta.com, and plenty of great food cooked up by area culinary arts students. Full details are available at cookingupchange.org

On November 15th, the 13th annual Bag Hunger Auction will take place at the Hyatt Regency, benefiting the Greater Chicago Food Depository. It features some fantastic chefs, including Gale Gand, Rick Tramonto, who are the event co-chairs and Rick Bayless, John Bubala, Ina Pinkey and others who will be cooking sample dishes for everyone. There will also be a great silent auction, conducted by well-known Chicago auctioneer, Leslie Hindman.

Most importantly, all event proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago’s food bank, a not-for-profit food distribution center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community. Nearly 500,000 people in Cook County rely on the Food Depository for emergency food every year. Last year, the Bag Hunger Auction raised more than $180,000—equivalent to approximately 700,000 meals for hungry men, women and children. To learn more or to reserve tickets visit www.chicagosfoodbank.org.

How can attending a lavish dinner at one of Chicago’s top restaurants help feed America’s hungry children? Thanks to the editors at Epicurious.com and Chef Shawn McClain, it’s as easy as attending Custom House’s Wine. Dine. Donate. dinner on Tuesday, October 24, 2006. Launched by Epicurious.com, the initiative invites food lovers to enjoy a great meal, great company and support a great cause - America’s Second Harvest’s programs to feed the nation’s children.

For more information on Wine. Dine. Donate., to purchase tickets to the Chef McClain’s dinner on October 24, or to access a “Throw A Party” kit complete with menus and tools, or to donate directly to America’s Second Harvest, visit www.epicurious.com.