As the holidays approach, we are entering the season of giving back. Giving Tuesday is coming up, and there are plenty of charitable events and evenings ahead in Chicago. One that should definitely be added to your list is the upcoming Taste of Hope, an evening with the American Cancer Society and some of the best restaurants in Chicago. Taste of Hope is bringing award-winning chefs and Chicago foodies together to celebrate the American Cancer Society‘s progress in the fight against cancer.
ADM and BMO Harris Bank are the presenting sponsors, but the Taste of Hope team also partnered with some of Chicago’s best restaurants. You’ll be able to taste bites from restaurants including Imperial Lamian, La Josie, Formento’s, Gibsons Italia, and more all in one night. Jeff Liljeberg, the International Director at JLL and Co-Chair of Taste of Hope, is giving us a peak behind the scenes before this November 8 event. It will certainly be a night to remember!
Tasting Station Partner Sunda
DiningOut: The theme of the event is “Around the World 2018.” How does this relate to the cause and the event?
Liljeberg: We wanted to take advantage of the diverse ethnic restaurant base here in Chicago to make the tasting experience unique. Unfortunately, cancer knows no geographic border, research supported by American Cancer Society impacts people around the world.
You have focused on many of Chicago’s best restaurants for the evening. How did these partnerships come about?
Through a lot of hard work and persistence by American Cancer Society and Taste of Hope committee members who called and met with all our restaurant participants to engage them in the cause.
What dishes are you most excited to try?
Our new Turkish restaurant participant, Zizi’s Cafe. I also think our wine pull is unique and has been a big hit in the past. Last year, I bought a wine pull ticket for $30 and randomly received a bottle valued at $175.
Tasting Station Partner fourteensixteen
What are you most excited for at the event overall?
Seeing all the people, friends, family, work colleagues fill the room and all thoroughly enjoying themselves and coming together to raise a lot of money for the fight against cancer.
What does serving a “taste of hope” mean to you?
It means that by working together as a team we can provide hope to those people affected by cancer through research, advocacy, and patient services; as well as the “hope” that we will soon eradicate this disease for the next generation.
Tasting Station Partner A Taste of the Philippines
What are your goals for the remainder of 2018?
We are trying to reach a sponsorship goal of $500,000 (we are almost there!) and get as many people to the event as possible to share the American Cancer Society mission. As far as this event is concerned, we have increased attendance and the amount raised each year. Last year, we had more than 700 people attend. It was amazing. I think our long-term financial goal for the event is to raise $1 million.
How can people stay involved all year long?
ACS has many events and ongoing programs that take place all year long so there are opportunities for all to be a supporter. To learn more, call 800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
What do you love most about Chicago?
It’s a world class city but very manageable to work and live in. And I love all the restaurants!
To get a sneak peak at what to expect from the evening, here is the list of all the participating restaurants:
- 20E
- The Art of Dosa
- Big Shoulders Coffee
- The Chopping Block
- Formentos
- FourteenSixteen
- Gibsons Italia
- La Josie
- Lost Larson
- Imperial Lamien
- Stan’s Donuts & Coffee
- Summer House Santa Monica
- Sunda
- Taste of Philippines
- Vosges Haut-Chocolat
- Zizi’s Cafe
By Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
The post Taste Chicago’s Best at the Taste of Hope Gala Event appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.