When some of Naperville’s top restaurateurs turn up in the same place at the same time, all bearing distinct forms of deliciousness, it can only mean one thing: spring is here.
For a dozen years, Naperville CARES (Community Acting in Response to Economic Stress) has hosted Cuisine for a Cause every April. This year’s soiree is set for 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday at Navistar’s international headquarters in Lisle, just north of Warrenville Road at 2601 Navistar Drive.
Serving up a taste of signature offerings from nearly two dozen local eateries along with an open bar, the event has raised more than $1 million since its inception in 2004. The nonprofit uses the proceeds for its work in connecting local families experiencing financial crisis with essential resources and sometimes emergency financial support.
“This is our largest fundraising event of the year, so we have a significant goal,” said Janet Derrick, the agency’s executive director. “We’re hoping to raise $176,000 at the event for CARES.”
The ambitious target sum comes at a time when state funding is being cut back. While the volunteer-driven CARES receives all of its monetary support through private donors, some of the assorted social services to which it refers clients rely heavily on the state funds.
“Many of the programs that they’re cutting, or cutting the safety net, are used by many of our families,” Derrick said.
Gov. Bruce Rauner earlier this month suspended $26 million in social services and public health grants statewide, in an effort to narrow a $1.6 billion state budget shortfall. Derrick said funds were pulled from programs on which the state already has contracts.
“He just announced that, and now they’re talking about 2016,” she said.
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Cuisine for a Cause works to minimize the impact of revenue-stream uncertainties. Part of its effectiveness comes through the auction items, which this year have a new feature: online convenience. Bidding for the lineup of auction goods began April 18. Derrick said the new addition allows the silent auction to last longer than the live one, which also is new.
“We’ve already got people bidding on items, which is kind of exciting,” she said.
Guests planning to attend Saturday are being urged to bring along smart phones or tablets, as bidders will be notified through text messages when their offers have been exceeded.
“You don’t even have to attend the event,” Derrick said.
People can keep tabs on whether they’ve been outbid via text; it allows the silent auction to go longer than the live auction
Also new this year is a color theme of sorts: the guests are encouraged to wear “black or white or any combination thereof,” the agency’s web page says. Derrick said Cuisine for a Cause typically draws about 500 people, and registration so far suggests this year is on track to continue that head count.
“We always call it the largest cocktail party in Naperville,” she said.
Tickets and the online bidding portal for the silent auction are available by visiting http://www.napervillecares.org.