Living & Giving | Apr. 2025
THE GOURMAND GALA
By Contributor
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANCIS SON
INFINITI guests: Lauren Elam, Miranda Pettit, Marcus English, Crystol Dejohnette, Marcellus English
Culinary Care’s annual fundraiser, The Gourmand Gala, was hosted at Chicago’s Union Station. The evening united more than 750 people who understand that fighting cancer requires more than medicine. This year’s theme was about magic—celebrating how hospitality, community, and generosity can change the course of someone’s cancer journey. Guests dined on dishes from over 35 of Chicago’s top culinary and mixology talents including CJ Jacobson, Max Robbins, Leigh Omilinsky, D’Andre Carter, and Crafthouse Cocktails. The evening also included casino games, live music, strolling magic, and a live auction. Event sponsors and guests raised enough to bring a year of Culinary Care’s programs to 300 families as they navigate a cancer diagnosis. The event was produced in partnership with Lindsay Goldberg of LRG Marketing & Events. culinarycare.org
