Evolved Network Gets Slam-Dunk Money Boost
Food-centric youth non-profit gets funding from NBA Foundation, Chicago Beyond
Big Boost for Innovative Youth-Focused Non-Profit
If you’re a frequent Local Food Forum reader, you know that I am a big fan of Sebastian White and The Evolved Network, his visionary non-profit that works to help disadvantaged Chicago youths through farm-to-table food experiences.
Currently providing food education and cooking lessons in several Chicago schools, Sebastian — a clinical psychologist turned chef — has been raising money since 2022 to pursue his vision of a restaurant and urban farm where young people will learn culinary, business and food-growing skills while receiving therapeutic services if they need them. His concept has drawn support from a number of the region’s leading chefs and other non-profit organizations.
So I am thrilled to share the news, which broke a few days ago, that The Evolved Network is one of four organizations that will share in a $1 million pool of funds established by The NBA Foundation and Chicago Beyond to support Black-led non-profits that are “advancing enrichment and opportunity for young people in Chicago.”
Sebastian acknowledged the opportunity provided by participation in this program, stating, “It is impossible to put into words what it means to be truly seen for all we’re trying to accomplish for our kids here in Chicago. We just needed one funder to take the leap with us, and we’re so honored that The NBA Foundation and Chicago Beyond had faith and trusted us with this responsibility.”
The Evolved Network is one of two food-focused recipients in this collaborative project. The other is ChiFreshKitchen, which according to the funders is “a worker cooperative owned by formerly incarcerated women that collaborates with urban farms, food operators, worker centers, policy advocates, and other community organizations led by people of color on the South and West Sides of Chicago to promote food sovereignty, racial justice, and equitable food access in the city.”
The other two recipient organizations are:
True Star Media, which empowers underserved youth to forge their own paths by providing jobs and training that teaches them to create, develop, and market digital content on platforms that celebrate their identity and perspectives.
I AM CHI Foundation, which seeks to service Chicago’s youth through tutoring, mentoring, counseling, and job training opportunities that will put them on a path to success.
Congratulations to Sebastian and his team for this recognition and the resources it will provide to bring his vision to reality.
Can’t-Miss Chance to Meet & Eat With Sebastian
I can’t think of a better segue from the previous item than this reminder that Sebastian White is kicking off his 2024 series of fundraising dinners for The Evolved Network. The dinner will take place on Monday, April 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Chef Lindsey Anderson’s Uvae restaurant, 5553 N. Clark St. in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.
Attendees will enjoy a typically creative menu (see graphic above) designed by Sebastian, with custom wine pairings by Lindsey, who is a sommelier, and a dessert by Sherlon Yates and Isaiah Scott of Team TEN.
The event marks Earth Day, and also honors the late Gwen Barjon, Sebastian’s aunt, a master gardener who instilled his love of locally grown food.
Check out the wildly creative menu in the graphic above, and click below for tickets.