Food Allergy Initiative

November 13

The Occasion: The Food Allergy Initiative (FAI) hosted its annual benefit at River East Art Center to a sold-out crowd, featuring event design by Birch Design Studio.

The Background: Founded in 1998, FAI is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for life-threatening food allergies that affect 12 million Americans.

The Highlights: Linda and Bill Friend of Chicago were honored for their dedication to the food-allergic community, and the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Executive Chef Kevin Hickey of the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago for the sensitive way he develops his menus for persons managing food allergies.

The Final Tally: The more than 600 guests raised $1.3 million, which will benefit research and community education programs to aid and effectively treat and raise awareness of food allergies.

faiusa.org

Photography by FAB PHOTO