Village of Orland Park to Host 13th Annual Chefs' Auction- Fundraiser Benefits American Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Research Program

ORLAND PARK, IL – Imagine being able to sample the signature dishes of the area’s finest chefs all in one place. On Thursday, February 21st, the Village of Orland Park will hold its 13th annual Chefs’ Auction to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Research Program. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“Over the last twelve years, Orland Park has raised more than $150,000 for the American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Research Program,” said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “The Chefs’ Auction is a great event for a worthy cause and it sells out every year. We encourage everyone to buy their tickets early because it fills fast,” he added.

The Orland Chateau, at 14500 South LaGrange Road, donates the use of its building as restaurants from throughout the region bring in their chefs to serve their signature dishes. The evening also includes fine coffees, wines and ales and raffle prizes.  

“The Chefs’ Auction is one of the village’s most popular events,” said Trustee Pat Gira, chair of the village’s Recreation and Parks Committee. “It’s a fun evening where people can try dishes from a number of restaurants and help raise money for breast cancer research,” she added.

Restaurants donating their chefs’ services and auction packages include Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, Rock Bottom Brewery & Restaurant, Robert Morris University Culinary Arts Program, Great Harvest Bread Company, Baker’s Square, PF Chang’s China Bistro, Mimi’s Café, Fox’s Orland Park, Papa Joe’s, Flavor Restaurant and Jenny’s Steak House. Bloomingfield’s Florist is donating long stem roses that will be presented to cancer survivors.

A highlight of the evening is the live auction of donated restaurant packages, conducted by McLaughlin.

“We have a good time with the live auction because the restaurants put together some great packages,” McLaughlin said. This year’s live auction will also include a pink guitar donated by the mayor and his wife and autographed by blues legend Buddy Guy.

Also returning this year are the area artists who create paintings to capture the flavor of some of the restaurants. Artists Elizabeth Popp, Eryn Blaser and Dawn Poulakis will create original works of art that will be included in their assigned restaurant auction package.

Tickets are $55 per person or $90 per couple. Corporate tables of ten are available for $600 and include a reserved table, half page ad in the program and the table centerpiece. Ads are available for the event program with a full page costing $200, half page at $150, quarter page at $100 or business card size at $50.

Tickets may be purchased at Orland Park’s Recreation Administration Building, 14600 South Ravinia Avenue or at the village’s Sportsplex, 11351 West 159th Street. Only 350 tickets will be sold. For more information, call the Orland Park Recreation Department at 708/403-7275.