Fundraiser for Dean Zanella

In the face of unfathomable tragedy, it's the support of friends and the local community that helps one chef get through a difficult time. Following the loss of his wife Mary shortly after giving birth to twin girls, chef Dean Zanella and his family is in need of love and support. Chicago has always been a city with a supportive culinary community and that's evident now more than ever, as restaurateurs gather en masse to uplift their comrade with a special fundraiser on March 31.

(Dean Zanella)

The (I Am) FUNdraiser event takes place at HotChocolate with a multi-course dinner staffed by friends of Zanella's donating their food, drink, and services. Cocktail service begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner seating at 7:00 p.m. Participating chefs rallying around their friend include Bill Kim (Urban Belly, bellyQ, Belly Shack), Heather Terhune (Sable Kitchen & Bar), John Manion (La Sirena Clandestina), Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno), Elisa Narrow (Vie and Perennial Virant), Rob Levitt (The Butcher & Larder), Takashi Yagihashi (Takashi, Slurpring Turtle), Giuseppe Tentori (GT Fish & Oyster), John Hogan (forthcoming River Roast), Roger Herring (Grand Tour), and of course Mindy Segal of HotChocolate. The cost is $200 person, reservations can be made by calling HotChocolate and the meal is cash or check only, to avoid tax fees for Zanella. A silent auction will also be held, with proceeds going towards the Zanella Children Trust Fund for Anna Grace and Nora Joan. Silent auction items include a Boston travel experience, VIP package at Metro Chicago, and tickets to Broadway in Chicago.

Following the dinner, there will be an afterparty at Big Star down the street, open to all from 9:30 p.m. until midnight. It's service as usual for the taqueria, but they'll be donating a portion of proceeds from the evening to Zanella and his family.

- Matt Kirouac