Feed Your Mind Gala
Pilot Light’s annual gala is a one-of-a-kind evening featuring a meal crafted by Chicago’s most sought-after culinary stars, while helping fuel our mission to bring the power of food into classrooms across the country.
For one exciting evening, Pilot Light’s founding chefs (Jason Hammel, Paul Kahan, Justin Large, and Matthias Merges) share the stage—and the kitchen—with a team of award-winning Chicago-based chefs from a variety of culinary backgrounds to create an unforgettable dining experience.
The gala features a thrilling live auction with exclusive travel and culinary experiences with our founding chefs, plus a silent auction of luxury entertainment and culinary experiences. Guests enjoy food prepared by multiple James Beard Award winners and rising culinary stars, all while giving back to the community.
For more than a decade, acclaimed chefs from across Chicago have joined Pilot Light to make Feed Your Mind an unforgettable celebration of food and Food Education. Below is a selection of those who have supported the gala over the years.
- Matthias Merges, Jason Hammel, Paul Kahan, and Justin Large — Pilot Light’s Founding Chefs
- Rick Bayless — Frontera Grill/Topolobampo
- Lena Ciardullo — Union Square Cafe
- Beverly Kim & Johnny Clark — Parachute
- Thai Dang — HaiSous/Crying Tiger
- Curtis Duffy — Ever
- Zach Engel — Galit
- Tim Flores & Genie Kwon — Kasama
- Rob Levitt — Publican Quality Meats
- John Manion — El Che Steakhouse/Brasero
- James Martin — Bocadillo Market
- Carlos Gaytan — Tzuco
- Tony Priolo — Piccolo Sogno
- Doug Psaltis — Andros Taverna/Asador Bastian
- John Shields — Smyth
- José Sosa — The Greggory
- Sarah Stegner — Prairie Grass Cafe
- Courtney Storer — The Bear
- Giuseppe Tentori — GT Fish & Oyster
- Paul Virant — Vie
- Lee Wolen — Boka
- Matthias Merges, Jason Hammel, Paul Kahan, and Justin Large — Pilot Light’s Founding Chefs
- Rick Bayless -– Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco, Bar Sótano
- Christine Cikowski and Josh Kulp — Sunday Dinner Club, Honey Butter Fried Chicken
- Diana Dávila — Mi Tocaya, Antojería
- Zach Engel — Galit
- Joe Flamm — Rose Mary, BLVD Steakhouse
- Bailey Sullivan — Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio
- Rishi Kumar — Mirra
- Genie Kwon and Tim Flores — Kasama
- James Martin — Bocadillo Market
- Dylan Patel — avec
- Oliver Poilevey — Obelix, Le Bouchon
- Tony Priolo — Piccolo Sogno
- Sarah Stegner — Prairie Grass Cafe
- Paul Virant — Petite Vie, Vistro Prime, Gaijin
- Lee Wolen — Boka, Alla Vita, GG’s Chicken Shop
- Jonathan Zaragoza — Birrieria Zaragoza, Čálli, El Oso
- Matthias Merges, Jason Hammel, Paul Kahan, and Justin Large — Pilot Light’s Founding Chefs
- Phillip Branch — Hawksmoor
- Rodolfo Cuadros — Amaru & Bloom Plant Based Kitchen
- Joe Frillman and Leigh Omilinsky — Daisies
- Tim Flores and Genie Kwon — Kasama
- Dominique Leach — Lexington Betty Smokehouse
- James Martin — Bocadillo Market
- Oliver Poilevey — Obelix & Le Bouchon
- José Sosa — The Greggory Hearth & Tavern
- Sarah Stegner — Prairie Grass Cafe
- Jonathan Zaragoza — Birrieria Zaragoza
- Jeremy Barrett — Lemon Chicago (Cocktails)
Our 2026 Feed Your Mind Gala sponsors:
Interested in sponsoring the gala?
Contact Tamara Golden, Director of Development at tamara@pilotlightchefs.org or 773-590-9505 to learn more about ways you can support Pilot Light. You can also make an online gift today!
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