Pilot Light Gala 2026: Feed Your Mind

Pilot Light’s annual Feed Your Mind Gala, is one of Chicago’s most anticipated fundraising & culinary events. Guests will experience a one-of-a-kind evening featuring a meal crafted by Chicago’s most sought-after culinary stars and help feed our mission to bring the power of food into classrooms across the country. 

2026 Feed Your Mind Presenting Partner: Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation 

This year’s Feed Your Mind Gala will feature a special chef-at-your-table-style event, allowing guests to enjoy a personal experience with an all-star chef preparing their meal tableside. This event format is a Pilot Light signature experience that guests won’t find anywhere else! 

This mix of award-winning chefs from diverse culinary backgrounds creates an unforgettable dining experience for guests while raising funds to invest in the future of Food Education. No other event offers the opportunity to share a room and eat the food of multiple James Beard Award winners and Rising Stars while also giving back to the community.

We are thrilled to announce the 2026 Feed Your Mind Tableside Chef Lineup, curated by our Founding Chefs, Matthias Merges, Jason Hammel, Paul Kahan, and Justin Large

• Rick Bayless – Frontera Grill / Topolobampo — James Beard Award winner (Outstanding Chef); Top Chef Masters winner; Michelin-starred restaurant
• Lena Ciardullo – Union Square Cafe — James Beard Award winner (Outstanding Restaurant)
• Beverly Kim & Johnny Clark – Parachute — James Beard Award winners; Michelin star
• Thai Dang – HaiSous — Michelin star; James Beard semifinalist
• Curtis Duffy – Ever — James Beard Award winner; former 3 Michelin stars (Grace)
• Zach Engel – Galit — James Beard Award winner (Rising Star Chef); Michelin star
• Tim Flores & Genie Kwon – Kasama — James Beard Award winners; Michelin star
• Rob Levitt – Publican Quality Meats — Renowned butcher; national media recognition
• John Manion – El Che Steakhouse — James Beard semifinalist
• James Martin – Bocadillo Market — James Beard semifinalist
• Oliver Poilevey – Le Bouchon / Obélix — James Beard semifinalist
• Tony Priolo – Piccolo Sogno — Michelin-starred background; James Beard nominee
• Doug Psaltis – Andros Taverna — Michelin-trained; James Beard semifinalist
• John Shields – Smyth — Michelin-starred chef
• José Sosa – The Greggory — Respected culinary professional
• Sarah Stegner – Prairie Grass Cafe — James Beard Award winner (Rising Star Chef)
• Courtney Storer – The Bear — Culinary producer; Emmy-winning series contributor
• Giuseppe Tentori – GT Fish & Oyster — Michelin star; James Beard nominee
• Paul Virant – Vie — James Beard Award winner (Best Chef: Great Lakes)
• Lee Wolen – Boka — Michelin star; multiple James Beard semifinalist

Thank you to your generous 2026 Feed Your Mind Gala Sponsors! 

Interested in sponsoring the 2026 Feed Your Mind Gala? Contact Tamara Golden, Director of Development at tamara@pilotlightchefs.org 

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