Meals on Wheels Chicago (MoWC) will host its 36th annual Celebrity Chef Ball on Friday, October 23, 2026, at The Geraghty (2520 S. Hoyne Ave.), bringing together more than 50 of Chicago’s top chefs and hundreds of supporters for an evening where food fuels an even greater purpose.
Every ticket supports Meals on Wheels Chicago’s mission to provide nutritious food, human connection, and essential resources to older adults and people with disabilities across the city.
For one night, every table becomes a chef’s table. Following a cocktail reception, guests will experience an interactive six-course culinary showcase, with chef teams preparing and presenting each course tableside, putting Chicago’s culinary talent at the center of the evening.
And while the food takes center stage, the impact is what brings everyone to the table.
Since its inception, the Celebrity Chef Ball has helped feed more than 2 million seniors across Chicago, providing older adults with nutritious meals, essential wellness resources and the human connection they need to live with dignity, independence, and security at home.
Event Highlights
Cocktail reception featuring hors d’oeuvres from participating chefs and restaurants, specialty drinks, raffles, and games
Interactive six-course chef-table experience, beginning with a signature cocktail from Bobo, followed by chef teams preparing and serving each course tableside
Live auction featuring one-of-a-kind culinary experiences and offerings
Dessert lounge to cap off the evening
A celebration of Chicago’s culinary community and its generosity
An evening of impact dedicated to supporting Meals on Wheels Chicago and the neighbors it serves
Proceeds from the Celebrity Chef Ball directly support Meals on Wheels Chicago’s programs, including the cornerstone Home Meal Delivery Program, which provides nutritious meals, a wellness check and a familiar human connection to homebound seniors and people with disabilities.
Support also helps power Nourish Chicago Pantry, providing fresh produce and groceries to seniors; the Pet Program, providing food and essential supplies to help clients care for companion animals; and Wellness Packs, providing personal-care and household essentials that promote health, dignity and independence.
This year, Meals on Wheels Chicago is working to reach more than 20,000 people across its programs and delivers more than 4.6 million meals annually. Yet the need extends far beyond food: one in six Chicago seniors faces hunger, and 84% of clients say their Meals on Wheels delivery driver is the only person they see all week.
For many recipients, a delivery is more than a meal. It is a wellness check. A familiar face. A moment of connection. A reminder that someone cares.
“Celebrity Chef Ball celebrates what makes Chicago’s culinary community so special, but at its heart, it’s about coming together for our neighbors,” said Elise Geiger, CEO & Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Chicago. “Every chef, guest, and supporter plays a role in ensuring that older adults and people with disabilities have access to more than nutritious food. Together, we’re helping provide the connection and resources they need to live with dignity and independence.”
Tickets are priced at $450 and can be purchased at mowc.org/ccb.
What's Happening
Meals on Wheels Chicago (MoWC) will host its 36th annual Celebrity Chef Ball on Friday, October 23, 2026, at The Geraghty (2520 S. Hoyne Ave.), bringing together more than 50 of Chicago’s top chefs and hundreds of supporters for an evening where food fuels an even greater purpose.
Every ticket supports Meals on Wheels Chicago’s mission to provide nutritious food, human connection, and essential resources to older adults and people with disabilities across the city.
For one night, every table becomes a chef’s table. Following a cocktail reception, guests will experience an interactive six-course culinary showcase, with chef teams preparing and presenting each course tableside, putting Chicago’s culinary talent at the center of the evening.
And while the food takes center stage, the impact is what brings everyone to the table.
Since its inception, the Celebrity Chef Ball has helped feed more than 2 million seniors across Chicago, providing older adults with nutritious meals, essential wellness resources and the human connection they need to live with dignity, independence, and security at home.
Event Highlights
Proceeds from the Celebrity Chef Ball directly support Meals on Wheels Chicago’s programs, including the cornerstone Home Meal Delivery Program, which provides nutritious meals, a wellness check and a familiar human connection to homebound seniors and people with disabilities.
Support also helps power Nourish Chicago Pantry, providing fresh produce and groceries to seniors; the Pet Program, providing food and essential supplies to help clients care for companion animals; and Wellness Packs, providing personal-care and household essentials that promote health, dignity and independence.
This year, Meals on Wheels Chicago is working to reach more than 20,000 people across its programs and delivers more than 4.6 million meals annually. Yet the need extends far beyond food: one in six Chicago seniors faces hunger, and 84% of clients say their Meals on Wheels delivery driver is the only person they see all week.
For many recipients, a delivery is more than a meal. It is a wellness check. A familiar face. A moment of connection. A reminder that someone cares.
“Celebrity Chef Ball celebrates what makes Chicago’s culinary community so special, but at its heart, it’s about coming together for our neighbors,” said Elise Geiger, CEO & Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Chicago. “Every chef, guest, and supporter plays a role in ensuring that older adults and people with disabilities have access to more than nutritious food. Together, we’re helping provide the connection and resources they need to live with dignity and independence.”
Tickets are priced at $450 and can be purchased at mowc.org/ccb.
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Location
2520 S Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
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