Orland Park Chefs' Auction Returns With Mardis Gras Theme

ORLAND PARK, IL – Area chefs will soon gather to serve their signature dishes for the benefit of the American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Research Program.

On Thursday, February 20th, the Village of Orland Park will hold its 14th annual Chefs’ Auction. The Mardi Gras themed event held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Orland Chateau, 14500 South LaGrange Road in Orland Park.

“Over the last 13 years, Orland Park has raised more than $200,000 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, Baker’s Square, PF Chang, Mimi’s Café, Fox’s Orland Park, Papa Joe’s, Flavor Restaurant, Jenny’s Steak House, and Rocco Vino’s Italian Restaurant. 

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.  

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 Susan Berry 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 village’s Recreation Department at 708/403-7275.