A Taste of Hope: Chicagoans Come Together to Support the American Cancer Society

As the weather cools and leaves start to fall, you know what that means… Giving Season is upon us! And as that season of giving approaches, so many Chicagoans are looking for ways to give back. Thanks to happenings like the American Cancer Society’s Taste of Hope event, Chicagoans can give easily back, all while meeting and eating with some of the best in the Chicago hospitality industry. 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 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 $2,300,000 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 Duck Duck Goat, Tanta, Formento’s, Sunda, Bar Siena, TAO, and more!

Victoria de la Huerga, Taste of Hope Co-Chair, lets us know what to expect from this delicious and impactful evening in the Windy City…

DI4W: Taste of Hope is back in person this year! How excited are you to be back in action?

de la Huerga: Very excited! While we had an incredible virtual event last year, it’s hard to replace the in-person experience especially since our event features many wonderful Chicago restaurants and their signature dishes. Being able to try so many great tasting dishes at the event is incredible plus participate in many fund-raising activities which is critical for raising to support key cancer research projects. This money is so critical to rid the world of cancer.

What can we expect from the event itself?

Expect a lot of fun, great food from Chicago’s finest restaurants, the opportunity to mingle with your friends, as well as participate in our silent auction and wine pull.

What are you personally most looking forward to this year?

Being back in person to support ACS and raise important funds as well as support the restaurant industry. Charities and restaurants have been hit hard during the pandemic so being able to be back together is just amazing!

How has the Chicago food world been an active support system for Taste of Hope?

We’ve had so many wonderful restaurants participate in Taste of Hope and it’s really the cornerstone of our event. Who doesn’t love to try so many choices of food? They have been so generous with their time and their amazing food. We love to give them awareness and drive traffic at their restaurants post the event.

What makes this relationship so delicious?

I think there are a few things that makes this so natural and productive: First of all, who doesn’t like to eat. Second, who doesn’t like checking out restaurants that they might not be familiar with as well as re-visiting those that they do know and love. And third, and the most important – Food plays a critical role in our health and overall well-being…..but it especially plays an essential role for those fighting cancer and their families. So, marrying up great food with a great cause at The American Cancer Society’s Taste of Hope of Hope event is the perfect combination.

How can Chicagoans see the impact of their support and donations in our community?

No one can say it better than the ACS themselves! You can all visit this page for the Illinois impact in the fight against cancer and for local resources. You can also explore ways to get involved and support our efforts after Taste of Hope is over.

As the Giving Season approaches, why is it so important to continue to donate and give to nonprofits?

Non-profits depend on generous donations and participation in fundraisers to help them support critical research and other programs. With The American Cancer Society, the funds that we raise through Taste of Hope and other events, goes towards important research programs to one day rid the world of cancer. But it goes beyond this. They also help families and their loved ones in their journey through cancer. And so many other services. Almost everyone knows of someone affected by cancer; either a family member or a friend. It’s affected my family and this is why I’m involved with ACS in this fight.

Any milestones or big news you'd like to share before we let you go?

First, we are so excited to be back in person this year!! Mark November 4th on your calendars and buy tickets to join us at Taste of Hope at Morgan Manufacturing in the West Loop. Second, we are so appreciative of the numerous restaurants that will be participating this year that feature so many different types of cuisines. And lastly, we want to thank our sponsors for helping us make this event come to life.

Support Taste of Hope and the American Cancer Society by donating or buying your tickets NOW!
We’ll see you all on November 4!

Interview by Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor

Note: Currently, Taste of Hope will be requiring all individuals attending this year’s event to be fully vaccinated with either one dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or two-doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. As a public health organization that serves the immune-compromised, their responsibility is greater to protect the health, safety, and well-being of those that trust the ACS. They will be regularly assessing potential for in-person events and strictly adhere to all federal and local health department guidance including event size and masking.