CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — It was a packed house at Avli on the Park Monday night, as 45 of Chicago’s best chefs offered up some of their favorite dishes.
The cause: A fundraiser for earthquake survivors in Syria and Turkey through World Central Kitchen, which distributes meals to survivors from the earthquakes and first responders.
“It’s beyond politics, beyond all these things,” said Executive Chef Niko Kaperneros, who organized the event. “We’re very proud that this happened, and we’re managing to give people a very nice experience here, so other people there can have a better quality of life with a warm meal and water.”
Hundreds came to the Lakeshore East restaurant to help support the cause.
“My dream came true,” Kaperneros said. “Everybody’s donating time. Friends and family [were] donating money, and at the end of the day … we’re neighbors, and it could have happened to our country.”
Avli on the Park Co-Owner Louis Alexikis said the event surpassed their expectations.
“Great support from industry and donations beyond just ticket sales. People really came out, and that’s what the Midwest is like: We help people when they’re in need … I think we’re going to hit close to $100,000, and to do that with four weeks of preparation is amazing.”
Chicago Chef's Cook raised more than $600,000 for Ukraine in 2022 and held similar fundraisers for the people of Puerto Rico and Ethiopia.
The death toll in Turkey and Syria now tops 51,000 people.
Audacy was a sponsor of the fundraiser.
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