Culinary and Charity Worlds Unite to Give Chicago A Taste of Hope
It’s hard to believe it but November is right around the corner, and that means something very special is coming up quickly… Giving Season is almost upon us! As that season of giving approaches, many Chicagoans are looking for ways to give back and support both businesses and nonprofits in our local community. Thanks to happenings like The American Cancer Society’s Taste of Hope event, Chicagoans can easily do just that! All in one evening, you can donate to a national nonprofit with a strong Chicago presence, while also meeting and eating with some of the best in the Chicago food world. If that sounds too good to be true, you’re going to love all the delicious details that come next.
Taste of Hope brings award-winning chefs and Chicago food-lovers together at Navy Pier to celebrate the American Cancer Society's progress in the fight against cancer. To date, the American Cancer Society’s Taste of Hope Executive Leadership Council has raised more than $2,800,000 to support the mission of eliminating cancer as a major health problem. This year’s event will continue to drive money to that work, and feature bites from Chicago hot spots like Tanta, Formento’s, Beatrix, Chicago Chop House and more!
Victoria de la Huerga, Taste of Hope Executive Committee Co-Chair and President, Global Sweet Goods & Dairy for ADM, lets us know what to expect from this delicious and impactful evening coming up on November 3 in the Windy City…
DI4W: The event is at a new location this year - Tell us about this change!
HUERGA: We are so excited for Taste of Hope this year! And yes, we have moved to a new location at the Aon Ballroom at Navy Pier. That’s simply because our event has grown and we needed to find a new location that could house many more guests. Our goal is to continue to grow the event to raise important funds for cancer research and the many other things ACS does for people fighting thru the disease and their families. We want to end cancer as we know it, for everyone!
What can people expect from the event, especially from the culinary partners?
People can look forward to an evening of fun, engaging fundraising activities, plus amazing food and drinks from our restaurant and beverage partners. Because we have more space, we can now also have more tasting stations this year– so come hungry! This year, we have some new restaurant partners alongside many that have been with us for several years. We are so thankful to each and every one of our restaurant partners!
What are you most excited about for the big night?
I am most excited to see people out having a great time with their friends and colleagues while participating in our fund raising activities for the American Cancer Society. Every year, we have increased the amount of money raised for ACS and have no doubt, we will set another record this year.
I’ve been involved in Taste of Hope for 6 years now – it’s an incredible event that mixes fun, food and fund-raising – three things I’m passionate about!
How can people continue to support the ACS during the upcoming holiday season?
First, come to Taste of Hope on November 3rd! Second, consider donating money on behalf of a loved one or friend that has been impacted by cancer. Third, consider volunteering your time to help ACS with many of the wonderful things they do to support those fighting this disease.
Because those fighting and being impacted by cancer still definitely need your support! While so much work and progress has been made in the fight against cancer, there is still plenty to be done. That’s why culinarians like Jimmy Lawrence from Chicago Chop House continue to support The American Cancer Society, and participate in Taste of Hope. He shared a bit of his story, and why Taste of Hope is so important, with our team….
DI4W: Please tell us about the personal experience that led you to want to support the ACS…
LAWRENCE: Like most, cancer was NOT a daily concern for me… until it was. In a big way. Last year I became a primary caregiver for a loved one with cancer. There is no preparation for this position to the layperson and that’s just one of the reasons I am grateful for the support the ACS gave me. I am thankful to them, and thankful that I had the foresight and great honor to have supported their work long before I needed them in return.
Explain why fundraising for the American Cancer Society is important to you.
We can treat, cure & eradicate cancer and ACS is leading the charge. I am personally watching a transplant survivor get stronger everyday thanks to the work that has already been done. What used to be a leukemia death sentence is now beatable. Yes, BEATABLE.
However, more research is needed. The advances have been miraculous thus far but NO ONE is immune to cancer. We all must remain diligent and stay involved in the work of ACS any way we can by donating, volunteering and even cheerleading for this great organization.
Tell us what you're most excited about for the upcoming Taste of Hope event!
Love this event, always have! It’s super fun with great food, a great auction, and most of all - A GREAT CAUSE! This year will mean MORE to us than ever. My darling will be attending and celebrating her being one year cancer free. Last year she attended during treatment.. This year she is attending as a survivor. Thank you ACS for your unrelenting work on such a formidable foe. We’ll see you all there!