IN PICTURES: The Chicagoist Benton House 'Ramova Room' Soup Kitchen Fundraiser
By Chuck Sudo in Food on Jan 25, 2013 5:00PM
We're dragging a little bit this morning after last night's soup and bread-inspired fundraiser at Benton House in Bridgeport. Over 225 people attended and we were able to raise over $2,000 dollars, introduce people to Benton House and the potential wonders of Benton House's "Ramova Room." Even the gymnasium above the Ramova Room was starting to feel cozy at one point.
This would not have been possible without the guidance and inspiration of Soup and Bread's Martha Bayne and Sheila Sachs; Friends of South Halsted's Maureen Sullivan for her hard work helping to round troops and bread; and Benton House executive director Mark Lennon and his staff for setting up the room and rustling volunteers.
Then there were the chefs: Nightwood's Jason Vincent; Vera's Mark Mendez, Allium's Kevin Hickey, Pleasanthouse Bakery's Art Jackson; Bridgeport Pasty Co.'s Jay Sebastien and Carrie Clark; Zaytune Mediterranean Grill's Daniel Sarkiss and the late additions of the Belly Q staff of Bill Kim and Dave Samber of Polo Cafe & Catering.
Giles Schinerle brought some amazing cheeses to the event and Xin Schultz of Mr. Spanky's Farm Fresh Artisan Foods provided samples of bacon. The folks at Bridgeport Bakery, Peerless Bread & Jam, Bruno's Bakery brought enough bread that some lucky families in the neighborhood may benefit from them today. And, of course, I have to thank everyone who attended. The support was overwhelming.
If there's anyone I failed to mention, I do apologize. We will be doing more events like these in 2013. Stay tuned.