CFAC

April 27, 2025 • 4:00 - 7:00pm

The Venue at Goebbert’s

Cuisine for a Cause is the signature fundraising event for Fox Valley Hands of Hope, inspiring community members with our mission of bringing healing and hope to those who grieve. The event features tasting stations, chef demo’s, auctions, raffles, wine pull, live music and more!

Serving the Fox Valley for over 40 years, the mission of Fox Valley Hands of Hope is to provide compassionate, expert guidance and support for children, families and adults who are experiencing a loss due to death of a loved one, at no cost to them.

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Tasting Stations

Cuisine for a Cause features food tasting stations from local restaurants which create a dish, drink or dessert around the idea of comfort –elevating it into something beautiful, creative and delicious! The idea of comfort food connects directly to the mission of Fox Valley Hands of Hope - we provide comfort and care.

See 2024 EVENT Photos

Ways to participate

Raffles, Silent Auction, Jewelry and Wine Pull

Support the cause of Fox Valley Hands of Hope by participating in our silent auctions, raffle, wine, pull or jewelry pull. You can also donate items. Find out more HERE or fill out the donation form below.

DONATION FORM

Signature Cocktails

Support Hands of Hope by purchasing a $20 signature cocktail. Choose from a Mocha Martini, Spring Fling, Berry Bourbon Blast, Lavender Lemonade (Mocktail), or Strawberry Fizz (Mocktail).

Drink tickets available for pre-order or at the event.

BONUS: Receive 1 free admission to Goebbert’s opening weekend with each signature drink purchase!

PRE-ORDER DRINK TICKETS

Memorial Wall Tribute

Honor a deceased loved one by purchasing a Memorial Wall Tribute that will be displayed at the event. Find out more HERE or click below to purchase your tribute cling (order by 4/1).

PURCHASE NOW!

Volunteer

Help make Cuisine for a Cause happen and volunteer on our team!

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Special Guests

Ryan Carney

LIVE MUSIC

Ryan Carney is a cellist, bassist and music educator with over 35 years of experience studying and performing diverse styles of music.

Ryan’s performances provide a fun and elegant repertoire ranging from baroque and classical cello sonatas to jazz standards and famous pop melodies.

Kris Palermo

CHEF DEMO

Kris is the owner and founder of Kubo, presenting a mouthwatering variety of fresh, hand crafted sushi and Japanese cuisine.

Kris has brought his love and passion for food and community to the Elgin area, and is thrilled to give a live demo at Cuisine for a Cause.

2025 Chairpersons

We are thrilled to announce the 2025 Honorary Chairpersons for Cuisine for a Cause, Amy and Alan Flota. We are honored to have these outstanding members of our community helping lead this event!

“We’re incredibly excited about Cuisine for a Cause. This event not only inspires our community to come together in support of a mission that brings healing and hope to those who grieve, but it also showcases amazing culinary talent while raising vital funds for compassionate work. By attending, you’re not just enjoying a wonderful evening—you’re making a direct impact on the lives of families and individuals during their most challenging times. We can’t wait to see everyone come together for this important cause!”

– Amy & Alan Flota

Amy Flota is a third-generation agent with New York Life Insurance. Her grandfather, father, and now Amy have been protecting lives in the Fox Valley area for generations.
Amy’s passion for community service and philanthropy has fueled her extensive involvement in various nonprofit organizations including serving on the board of Food for Greater Elgin, Boys & Girls Clubs of Elgin and Cal's Angels Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Her dedication to these causes is driven by a desire to uplift individuals, families, and entire communities.
Alan spent 33 years as a teacher and administrator in School District U-46, impacting the lives of countless students and staff.
He is now continuing his mission of investing in people as an Insurance Agent with New York Life Insurance. He is particularly passionate about New York Life's groundbreaking program, the Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative (GSSI), which is helping better equip school staff to support grieving students in times of crisis.