Eat, Drink, Help End Hunger

By Hanna Aronovich in Food on Oct 24, 2006 12:25PM

Famed Chicago chefs Gale Gand, Rick Tramonto and Rick Bayless are among those cooking sample dishes for the 13th annual Bag Hunger Auction. Held on Nov. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, the silent auction benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Gand and Tramonto co-chair the event, which features more than 25 chefs from notable Chicago restaurants including Tru, Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, West Town Tavern, TIMO, 160 Blue, Ina's and Heaven on Seven. Food and cocktails precede the auction, conducted by auctioneer Leslie Hindman.

Nearly 500,000 people in Cook County rely on the food depository each year. “I'm proud to team up with Chicago’s culinary community and the Food Depository to make a difference in the lives of hungry people,” Gand said in a statement. “As chefs participating in the Bag Hunger Auction, we can address a need that relates to our everyday roles in the kitchen – the need for food for all people in Cook County.”

The chefs will offer samples, advice, recipes and cooking demonstrations. The silent auction packages include kitchen appliances, tableware and gift certificates, while the live auction offers travel packages, exclusive kitchen visits and signed cookbooks.

All proceeds go toward the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and last year, the event raised more than $180,000 – or 700,000 meals. Tickets are $85 in advance and $100 at the door. The event is also sponsored by CDW, American Airlines and Genesis Press.