'It's very special': Chicago chefs host fundraiser for California wildfire victims

A star-studded culinary event in Chicago’s River North neighborhood brought together some of the biggest names in food to raise money for wildfire victims in California.

What we know:

Salon 61 hosted the Thursday night fundraiser, where tickets cost $2,500 per plate. The proceeds are being donated to World Central Kitchen, an organization providing relief to communities impacted by the wildfires.

Participating chefs included Rick Bayless, Grant Achatz of Alinea, Thai Dang of Hai Sous, and Lee Wolen of Boka. The event was spearheaded by Los Angeles-based Chef Evan Funke, who owns three California restaurants and Tre Dita in Chicago.

Funke, a Pacific Palisades native, shared his personal connection to the disaster.

"It’s an extraordinary response to see this amount of people pay this price to help people in need in Los Angeles, so it’s very special," Funke said. He encouraged further support through donations at World Central Kitchen.

The event was nearly sold out, and while the total funds raised haven’t been disclosed, a live auction brought in more than $50,000 alone.

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