Chef’s Culinary Celebration For West Suburban Community Pantry

WOODRIDGE, IL — West Suburban Community Pantry is hosting the first-ever virtual Chef's Culinary Celebration on Sept. 24. According to a news release sent to Patch, restrictions placed on large gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic means this year's event is a pivot from the pantry’s largest fundraiser, the Chef’s Culinary Challenge held the last eight years. However, guests at the upcoming fundraiser will enjoy complete chef-prepared dinners at home while viewing a virtual fundraising event and all it entails, including cocktail music, a silent auction, and inspirational stories of families served by the pantry, the news release said.

According to the news release, renowned chefs from across the region have stepped up to help the pantry celebrate the comfort and creativity of food, and all proceeds from the event support the pantry's mission to create a community without hunger.

Delectable full dinner menus are being prepared by Belgios Catering, Naperville, Cadence Kitchen & Co. and The Foxtail in Downers Grove, Caffe di Moda in Lisle, Elements at Water Street in Naperville, The Girl & the Goat, Chicago and SixtyFour Wine Bar & Kitchen, Naperville, the news release listed. In addition, special menus and wine pairings are being offered to sponsors, including a Spanish Paella and Tapas Buffet, a Tuscan Vineyard Tasting Bar and a French Bistro Favorites Groaning Board.

According to the news release, there are several chef’s creations such as a four-course Italian meal featuring Chicken Carciofi and Tiramisu, a three-course Beef Tenderloin meal with Grilled Shrimp appetizer and Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake, a five-course Small Plate menu with Fox Cake and strawberries, a three- course vegetarian meal featuring Burrata, Artichoke Panini and House-made Profiteroles, and a Make-at-Home Roasted Pork Shank Dinner Kit for 2 with vegetable and Cookies to bake for dessert, complete with instructions.

According to the news release, the pantry serves people living in areas higher-than-average poverty, including areas of Bolingbrook, Lisle, Naperville, Downers Grove, Darien, Willowbrook, Westmont and Romeoville, and recently opened its first in-school pantry at Irene King Elementary School in Romeoville. This provides food to residential clients Bridge Communities and DuPage PADs, and offers home deliveries to seniors as well as providing meal support to school students year-round, the news release said.

“There's no doubt many people are struggling and we love to support organizations like West Suburban Community Pantry who are part of the solution,” Tim Belgio, Owner of Belgios Catering said, in the news release. “Times are tough right now, but even in better times there is always need. We are committed to helping. I believe to help people who are having a hard time is why we are here on earth.”

The pantry, which normally offers a grocery-store-style shopping experience for clients, is currently expanding their service space to "accommodate a greater capacity to serve an increased space for food donation and storage, larger private client intake offices, an online ordering department, drive-up pick up and expanded program and office space," the news release said.

“With COVID, demand for our services has tripled," West Suburban Community Pantry Executive Director Laura Coyle said, in the news release. "Between job loss and furloughs, families are struggling to keep their homes and cover their expenses. Alleviating the pressure to pay for food can make a big difference in that fight. We are doing everything to meet the demand, as so many have lost jobs and many have no idea if or when they might be employed again or receive state or federal benefits.”

According to the news release, the Ann & Victor Pokorny Memorial Fund and Marquette Companies/Century 21 Affiliated Ryan Hill Group are lead sponsors of the Chef’s Culinary Celebration. Reservations for sponsor party meals and individual and group meals must be made before Sept. 18.

For tickets, sponsorship and information on the Chef’s Culinary Celebration and West Suburban Community Pantry, visit wscpantry.org/chefs-culinary-challenge, or call 630-948-8132.

Patch News Partner/Shutterstock

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.

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See also:

• Millions Made Hungry By Pandemic Could Include Your Neighbor
• Woodridge Heroes: Help Patch Recognize Those Making A Difference