Local Group Hosts 12-Hour Telethon for Chefs
Operation North Pole creates the 'Operation Let's Get Cookin'' virtual event to raise $100K for Chicago restaurants and their staffs.
Chicago-based charity organization Operation North Pole collaborates with area chefs every winter to raise money for terminally ill children and their families. The culinary experts are charged to whip up signature bites for attendees of “Winter Wonderland,” a fun cocktail party held at a different location each year.
But due to Covid-19, the event didn’t occur this year. Instead, the organizers decided to turn the tables and help the restaurants that have generously supported them over the years. Spearheaded by chef Dominique Tougne of Lincoln Park’s Chez Moi, “Let’s Get Cookin’” is a 12-hour virtual telethon taking place 9am-9pm Sunday, March 21. The goal is to raise at least $100,000, and the organization has already received more than $50,000 by anonymous donors in matched grants.
Throughout the event, Tounge and 26 area chefs will show off their culinary skills and specialty dishes. For example, Tounge will make roasted chicken crapeaudine; Marco DiBenedetto of Gibsons will whip up crab cakes; Mario Santiago (May Street Cafe) and Carlos Gaytan (Tzuco) will team up to cook French double cream brie and a pear quesadilla; and Carmella Coqmard-Muhammad (The Foodie's Spot) will make red snapper with basmati rice. There will also be surprise celebrity guests, a local firefighters’ cookoff, raffle prizes, and more.
It’s free to watch the event when you register right here. You can also make donations, buy limited-edition chef’s aprons and cutting boards, and more. See the video below from Wednesday when chef Tounge and yours truly made an appearance on WGN Midday News to promote the event.
By the way, I am one of the hosts!
Looking forward to this great event!