Return of The Evolved Network Dinner Series
And another dinner fundraiser to benefit disadvantaged youth
Do Good and Mark Earth Day with Heavenly Dinner
Local Food Forum has written often about The Evolved Network, a Chicago non-profit that works with young people from under-resourced communities to provide education and support through farm-to-table experiences.
Founder Sebastian White combines his first career as a clinical psychologist working with at-risk youths with his emerging role as a rising-star chef. As the organization’s first phase, he provides cooking lessons and food education for students in several Chicago schools.
His ultimate goal is to build out a restaurant and urban farm that will provide young participants with job, business and growing skills while offering therapeutic assistance for those who need it.
I am a big admirer of Sebastian’s work and am pleased to share the return of The Evolved Network’s fundraising dinner series, which he launched in late 2022. It will take place at Chef Lindsey Anderson’s Uvae restaurant, 5553 N. Clark St. in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood, on Monday, April 22 — aka Earth Day.
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.
And if you need a hopeful sign that spring is around the corner, note that one of the dishes on the menu centers on ramps, the wild-cultivated spring onion that gave Chicago its name (the area’s American Indians called the plant Chickagou, which depending on which history you read meant “wild onion” or “stinky onion”). Ramps annually are the first crops to make a major appearance at our local farmers markets in the spring.
Along with marking Earth Day, the dinner honors the late Gwen Barjon, Sebastian’s aunt, a master gardener who instilled his love of locally grown food.
Click the following button to order tickets — there are options with and without the wine pairing — or make a donation.
And click the next button to learn more about this important organization.
Culinary Awards Fundraiser for No Matter What
No Matter What is a Chicago non-profit — founded by chef-turned-police officer Kenneth Griffin — that helps youths from under-resourced communities reach for the stars through culinary training.
The organization will be the beneficiary of the proceeds from the Culinary Futures Banquet, which will be held on Sunday, March 17 at Fairlie Chicago, 339 N. Bell Ave., from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The following is information provided on the organization’s behalf with a link to buy tickets.
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I am writing to invite you to support a great cause that has the potential to enrich lives and transform futures through the power of culinary arts.
We work with No Matter What, a local Chicago non-profit founded by Chef turned Chicago Police Officer Kenneth Griffin (check him out inspiring kids, building, cooking + dancing on TIkTok #officerfriendly!), which supports Chicago's youth through mentoring, job readiness skills, experiences and more. Kenneth traded his chef's coat for a badge, but still is using his passion for food + culinary skills to inspire young people!
We invite you to please join us for the Culinary Futures fundraiser, a premier event scheduled for Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the elegant Fairlie Chicago, 339 N. Bell Ave. From 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., we will gather in a celebration of food, community, and generosity!
Your contribution will play a vital role in providing hope for countless aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals. The funds raised from this event will be used to provide free overnight culinary arts skills camps, valuable college scholarships, enriching summer international travel experiences, and most importantly, to support the opening of our community center in Englewood, scheduled for 2025.
Giving has the power to transform both the giver and the recipient. It's not just about providing material support, but also about inspiring growth and unity. When you contribute to No Matter What, you're not simply donating to a cause, but investing in a dream and sparking hope in the hearts of those we aid. Your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated — let's work together to make a positive impact!
No Matter What is a proud Black-owned, operated, and managed 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 85-4401512), and your donation is tax deductible.
Bob’s World, and Welcome to It
Pastel sunrise, March 7, 2024.