Our Philosophy

“We cook for people. That’s what we do.” Chef Sarah Stegner, co-founder and Chef Liason of Chicago Chefs Cook, offered this eloquent response when asked by a local media outlet why the Chicago culinary community responds to humanitarian crises by hosting food-forward fundraising events. This simple yet powerful mantra has evolved formally into Chicago Chefs Cook—a non-profit humanitarian organization serving as an unprecedented platform for chefs and restaurateurs to amplify their voices and serve local and global communities in need, together. Through fostering unique culinary partnerships, Chicago Chefs Cook aims to strengthen bonds across our local community and empower chefs to lead side by side.

The efforts of Chicago Chefs Cook have amplified the role of chefs in the Chicagoland area from purveyors of culture-rich culinary experiences to multi-dimensional social leaders. In this way, we are helping extend the sphere of impact that chefs uniquely create and unlocking deeper points of connectivity between chefs, diners, and civic leaders. The result is a more invested city that shows up for each other, with chefs, and food, serving as the vital connective tissue that binds us all.