Maureen Mader, left, organizers of the Battle of the Chefs fundraiser, gets a hug from Evisha Ford, founder and executive director of the iCanDream Center, which benefits from proceeds of the event. (Provided photo by Marcellus Marsh/Bionic Content)
Business, Feature

2nd annual Battle of the Chefs tops first year

Maureen Mader was quite satisfied with the second annual Battle of the Chefs event hosted by her deli, Dunning’s Market in downtown Flossmoor, on July 16. Just about every aspect of the event exceeded her hopes.

“Everything ran smoothly. The weather was perfect. The food was delicious. The band was amazing. We sold 190 tickets but we ended up with almost 240 people at the event,” she said. “I exceeded my personal goal of raising $40,000. I think we raised about $46,000 between our generous sponsors ticket sales and all of that donations, so that’s pretty amazing.”

The two teams of chefs plus DJ Phil Lee raise their glasses in cameraderie at the second Battle of the Chefs fundraiser on July 9. (Provided photo by Marcellus Marsh/Bionic Content)
The two teams of chefs plus DJ Phil Lee raise their glasses in camaraderie at the second Battle of the Chefs fundraiser on July 9. (Provided photo by Marcellus Marsh/Bionic Content)

The fundraising total was more than twice what the first event brought in last year. Proceeds benefit the iCanDream Center, which provides programs for youth with intellectual disabilities, autism and various learning difficulties, according to the organization’s website.

The main event was a contest between two teams of professional chefs. Each team had 45 minutes to prepare a dish with the same set of ingredients. 

Mader said team 3vs3, led by Chef Jerome Browne with Chef Ricky and Chef Dre, won the battle. She and the rest of her team, which included Chef Won Kim of Kimski restaurant in Chicago and Mader’s nephew, Matt Mescchede, who is a food photographer, took the defeat with grace. 

“But we’re OK with that because it’s all in good fun,” she said. “The most important thing is that we are bringing autism awareness and understanding to our community so they view our kids and hopefully employ them and befriend them. The iCanDream Center is an amazing place where they attempt to do just that.”

A view from the air of the large crowd gathered for the second annual Battle of the Chefs at Dunnings Market on July 9 in downtown Flossmoor. (Provided photo by Marcellus Marsh/Bionic Content)
A view from the air of the large crowd gathered for the second annual Battle of the Chefs at Dunnings Market on July 9 in downtown Flossmoor. (Provided photo by Marcellus Marsh/Bionic Content)

Mader expressed gratitude to the many sponsors and volunteers who helped make the event a success.

Evisha Ford, founder and executive director of iCanDream Center in Tinley Park, said she was grateful for Mader’s efforts. 

“Fundraisers are so important to what we do, because we believe in a whole student approach,” she said. “We have so many programs that aren’t included with tuition.” She listed examples, including a recreation program, a peer-to-peer support program. 

“We really need events like this to raise funds, raise awareness, decrease stigma, to elevate the idea that people with disabilities can have jobs, have meaning and purpose,” she said.

Maureen Mader, left, organizers of the Battle of the Chefs fundraiser, gets a hug from Evisha Ford, founder and executive director of the iCanDream Center, which benefits from proceeds of the event. (Provided photo by Marcellus Marsh/Bionic Content)
Maureen Mader, left, organizers of the Battle of the Chefs fundraiser, gets a hug from Evisha Ford, founder and executive director of the iCanDream Center, which benefits from proceeds of the event. (Provided photo by Marcellus Marsh/Bionic Content)

Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson served on the panel of judges for the contest and said the experience was a treat in more ways than one.

“All of the chefs were incredibly creative, talented and made me want to elevate dinners for my own family,” she said. “I spoke with several people who were visiting Flossmoor for the first time and were completely charmed by our village. That’s especially rewarding for me to hear.”

She also met a boy who receives services from iCanDream and is interested in becoming a chef. He was able to assist the 3vs3 team with their entry. 

“He was overwhelmed by the number of people who came out to support him and other people living with autism,” she said. “It was a treat to meet him.”

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