'No-brainer': Chicago restaurants team up to raise money for victims of LA County wildfires
CHICAGO - Chicago’s culinary community is stepping up to support wildfire relief efforts in California.
What We Know
The nonprofit Chicago Chefs Cook has rallied more than 50 restaurants to participate in a fundraising campaign, offering Chicagoans the chance to contribute simply by enjoying their meals.
Participating restaurants have each selected a specific dish or drink, with proceeds going to assist individuals and businesses affected by the devastating wildfires.
The campaign not only aims to help restaurant owners in California but also extends support to impacted farmers, winemakers and importers.
What They’re Saying
Sarah Stegner, co-founder of Chicago Chefs Cook, shared why supporting those in Los Angeles was so important to her.
"Instead of turning a blind eye, saying, ‘I can do something, I can contribute, I can make a difference,' it's cathartic. We need to help. We need to help, and we can't relate to this. It's just insane. So the only thing to do is to go into action, and the chefs have really rallied," said Sarah Stegner, Co-founder of Chicago Chefs Cook.
One of the participating restaurant owners, from MocchiNut Lincoln Park, expressed gratitude for Chicago Chefs Cook's leadership in organizing the effort.
"When we heard that they are getting a group of people within the culinary industry together to raise, really fundraise, and efforts to just help, bring some sort of comfort, some sort of relief, you know, to the culinary industry out there, it really was a no-brainer, "said owner Sandy Wong.
How to Help
The fundraiser will run through February, with more restaurants joining the cause. To see a full list of participating establishments, visit chicagochefscook.org.
The Source: The information in this article was provided by Chicago Chefs Cook and local restaurant owners.