Pilot Light is a 12-year-old Chicago nonprofit that supports teachers to deliver Accessible and Engaging Food Education for Students in a classroom setting. Our annual Gala is one of the most anticipated events on Chicago’s fundraising calendar. On one evening, Pilot Light’s founding chefs, Jason Hammel, Paul Kahan, Justin Large, and Matthias Merges share the stage with dozens of other Chicago chefs to curate an unparalleled and unforgettable guest experience. This year’s guest chefs include Joe Flamm, Beverly Kim & Johnny Clark, Genie Kwon & Tim Flores, James Martin, and Jonathan Zaragoza. No other event offers guests the chance to be in the same room with multiple James Beard award-winners and rising stars.

The 2022 event will take place at The Arbory in West Town and will seat 155 in-person guests. Another 200 guests are expected to attend the event virtually via our livestreamed broadcast. Our engaging program will feature our chefs, food education tales from the classroom, and a professional auctioneer who will conduct an exciting live auction featuring one-of-a-kind trips, tastings, and other experiences. All guests, including those attending virtually, will have the chance to bid on the live auction items and participate in a silent auction featuring dozens of unique items. The auction link will also be shared with our 3,300 followers via email and social media.