Meals on Wheels Chicago Wraps Up a Memorable 2024 Celebrity Chef Ball

Chicago's Culinary Community Unites to Raise Critical Funds for Homebound Seniors and People with Disabilities

The 2024 Celebrity Chef Ball, hosted by Meals on Wheels Chicago (MoWC) on October 25 at The Geraghty, proved to be an unforgettable evening of culinary excellence and community impact. Over 50 of Chicago’s most celebrated chefs– including Michelin, James Beard, and Bib Gourmand award winners – came together to support MoWC’s mission to end hunger and isolation for vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities in Chicago. Working together MoWC was able to be raise enough to deliver 179,000 meals by the end of the year.

The event, which has become a staple for MoWC supporters, offered guests an immersive dining experience where every table was a chef's table. Following a lively cocktail reception, attendees were seated in “pods” of three tables, each served a unique menu by a team of 3 chefs dedicated only to their pod. Guests enjoyed a six-course, made-to-order meal prepared by these chefs right in front of them, creating an interactive dining experience that brought out the best in Chicago’s culinary talents.

This year’s Celebrity Chef Ball was not only a culinary celebration but also a powerful call to action. Through a combination of ticket sales, a live auction featuring exclusive culinary and travel experiences, and generous contributions from attendees, MoWC raised vital funds to support their programs, including the Home Delivered Meals Program, the Nourish Chicago Pantry, and the Pet Program. These initiatives collectively serve over 4.7 million meals annually to those in need.

Chef Brian Jupiter, a long-time supporter, Chef Lead and Co-Chair of the event: “Meals on Wheels Chicago plays a critical role in addressing hunger in our most vulnerable communities. Events like the Celebrity Chef Ball allow the hospitality industry to unite for a common cause – ensuring everyone has access to nourishing meals.”

Meals on Wheels Chicago is grateful for the overwhelming support from the chefs, sponsors, and attendees whose generosity is helping make a difference in the lives of Chicago’s seniors and individuals with disabilities. As food insecurity and loneliness continue to impact vulnerable populations, MoWC remains committed to ensuring that no senior or person with disabilities in Chicago faces these challenges alone.

Here is a link to some of the event photos. Photo credit: Ken Carl and Abel Arciniega from Tequila Graphics

For more information on Meals on Wheels Chicago’s ongoing initiatives, please visit www.mowc.org.