For the sixth time, an incredible slate of talented chefs from around the country will come together to showcase their time and talents for a cause at Dim Sum Give Some.
The event, hosted by "The Dans" Chefs Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite of Dandan and EsterEv, was created to build awareness of Kennedy’s Disease and raise funds for the important work of the Kennedy’s Disease Association. And it has grown to be one of the city's most popular culinary fundraising events.
About the event
This year's event, sponsored by OpenTable, takes place Sunday, April 13 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Italian Community Center, 631 E Chicago St.
Much like years past, it will feature a virtual smorgasbord of small plates from an impressive slate of over 30 notable chefs from around the country, including "Top Chef" alums, James Beard honorees and more.
Participating chefs and restaurants for 2025 include:
- Rasika Venkatesa, Mythily (New York, New York)
- Savannah Miller (Durham, NC)
- Jason Vincent, Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar (Chicago, IL)
- Dane Baldwin of The Diplomat (Milwaukee, WI)
- Paul Bartolotta of Bartolotta Restaurant Group (Milwaukee, WI)
- Charly Pierre, Fritai (New Orleans, LA)
- Alisha Elenz (Chicago, IL)
- Amanda Turner, Olamaie (Austin, TX)
- Paul Zerkel of Goodkind (Milwaukee, WI)
- Mitch Ciohon of Taco Moto (Milwaukee, WI)
- Manny Barella (Denver, CO)
- Michelle Wallace, B'tween Sandwich Co. (Houston, TX)
- Justin Aprahamian of Sanford (Milwaukee, WI)
- Zach Engel of Galit (Chicago, IL)
- Sean Pharr, Mint Mark (Madison, WI)
- Dan Bonanno, A Pig in a Fur Coat (Madison, WI)
- Kyle Knall of Birch (Milwaukee, WI)
- Jason Hammel of Lula Cafe (Chicago, IL)
- Itaru Nagano, Fairchild (Madison, WI)
- Jamie Brown-Soukaseume, Ahan (Madison, WI)
- Aaron Kabot, Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar (Chicago, IL)
- Daniel Jacobs and Dan Van Rite of DanDan and EsterEv
- Gregory Leon of Amilinda (Milwaukee, WI)
- Thomas Hauck of Riverbend at The American Club (Kohler, WI)
- Karen Bell of Bavette La Boucherie (Milwaukee, WI)
- Kaleena Bliss of Cindy’s Rooftop (Chicago, IL)
- Kurt Fogle of Dairyland (Milwaukee, WI)
- Soo Ahn of Adalina (Chicago, IL)
- Adam Siegel of Lupi & Iris (Milwaukee, WI)
- Adam Pawlak, Egg and Flour Pasta Bar (Milwaukee, WI)
Strides toward a cure
In 2017, Chef Daniel Jacobs of Dandan and EsterEv was diagnosed with Kennedy's Disease, a rare, currently incurable and non-treatable, genetic neuromuscular disease that, over time, severely impacts patients' mobility and their ability to speak. His diagnosis – along with that of his brother – prompted the chef to take a proactive role in supporting the work to find a cure.
"In light of my diagnosis, my mission has evolved to inspire people who are differently-abled to pursue their passions, especially in the culinary world where physical constraints can be a big barrier," notes Chef Dan Jacobs. “It’s an honor to use our platform as a way to drive awareness and fund research for a cause so close to home.”
Since 2017, Dim Sum Give Some has raised over $100,000 (and counting) in support of the Kennedy’s Disease Association.
Tickets
Dim Sum Give Some tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased online while they last.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
