Cooking Up A Cure Returns September 24th to Raise Money for Scleroderma Research

Cooking Up a Cure, the all-star culinary fundraising event for Scleroderma, is back on September 24th. Chaired by Chef Cleetus Friedman, this evening unites some of Chicagoland's top chefs, breweries, wineries, and distilleries to raise vital funds and awareness for scleroderma, a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s normal immune/defense system turns against itself. The event benefits the Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago and is held at Theater on the Lake (2401 N Lake Shore Drive). 

TICKETS:

VIP Tickets, $225

General Admission Tickets, $145

VIP Admission:

Admission for one VIP ticket to Cooking Up A Cure at Theater On The Lake. Includes food, drink, access to the silent auction, priority seating, and admission to our VIP hour (5:30-6:30) with specialty food/drink offerings. Valet parking additional. 

General Admission:

Admission for one guest to this year's Cooking Up A Cure at Theater On The Lake. Includes food, drink, live music, and access to the silent auction. Valet parking additional.

The 2026 lineup includes: 

• Damien Casten of Candid Wines
• Chef Paul Kahan of The Publican
• Chef Sebastian White of The Evolved Network
• Leigh Omilinsky of Daises
• Chef Barry Sorkin of Smoque BBQ
• Chef Esther Griego of Bittersweet
• Michael Killmer of Aguasol Tequila
• Carol Goldman of Carol’s Cookies
• Stephanie Izard of Girl and the Goat
• Chef Pat Sheerin of Cira
• Chef Won Kim of Kimski
• Chef Paul Virant of Gaijin
• Carlos Cuarta of Diplomatico Rum
• Chef Phillip Foss of EL Ideas
• Chef Zach Engel of Galit
• Chef Lawrence Letrero of Bayan Ko & Bayan Ko Diner
• David Weeks of Life on Marz
• Chocolatier Katherine Duncan of Katherine Anne Confections
• Chef Chris Curren of The Graceful Ordinary
• Chef Thomas Levitt of White Oak Gourmet
• Mary Eder-McClure of Cafe Yaya
• Eric Puffer of Sapporo
• Margaret Pak of Thattu
• Chef Gale Gand of Gale's Bread and Butter
• Chefs Katie Wasieieweski and Aaron Patten of Pompette
• Chef Dan Raskin of Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen
• Grillmaster Phil Wingo of Pork Mafia
• Chef Stephanie Hart of Brown Sugar Bakery
• Chef Brian Huston of The Publican
• Greg Laketek of Salumi
• Stephen Dunne of Volo
• Susan Rosentreter of Sagamore and Disaronno
• Wilson Torres of Whistle Pig Whiskey
• Samantha DeMichael of Flock and Forage
• Melly Barajas of Leyenda de Mexico