On March 3 at the Midtown Global Market, four chefs from five of the Twin Cities’ most critically acclaimed restaurants— Piccolo and Sandcastle, Tilia, Travail Kitchen and Amusements, and Left Handed Cook — will come together to offer one-time-only bites at the second annual Graze 4 Good fundraiser.
Thomas Kim of Left Handed Cook joins the list of fabulous chefs this year, adding his talent to the likes of Doug Flicker (Piccolo and Sandcastle), David Dahmes (Tilia), and Mike Brown (Travail Kitchen and Amusements), who participated in the first Graze 4 Good in 2012. Chef Kim will also share his personal story as a young chef.
Also new this year is the addition of a pre-event VIP reception. VIPs will include a select handful of foodies and philanthropists who get an up-close-and-personal opportunity to engage with featured chefs as they work their culinary magic. Each of the four chefs will prepare an exclusive bite just for this group to enjoy with a wine pairing. Tickets are limited to ensure quality interaction between VIPs and chefs. Ticket holders are then encouraged to stay for the general event that immediately follows.
The chefs and restaurants featured in the 2013 Graze 4 Good event have earned numerous “best of” restaurant awards and recognitions from Minnesota Monthly, City Pages, Metro magazine, and the Star Tribune. Both Flicker and Brown were also 2012 semi-finalists for the coveted James Beard Award.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” Flicker said. “It’s a blast to join forces with other chefs, mingle with a great group of young people out to do good, and prepare food that truly represents the individuality of each of us — and all for a great cause.”
Proceeds from Graze 4 Good will leverage additional dollars from the Minneapolis Foundation’s Fourth Generation fund, an initiative that engages young professionals to build leadership skills, learn the skills of smart giving, and pool their resources to impact a new issue each year. The event will support Fourth Generation’s leadership development of young professionals and their commitment to giving back to the Twin Cities, and proceeds will go to supporting nonprofits that encourage entrepreneurship and support small businesses.
“Fourth Generation is all about joining forces with other young professionals to make a difference,” said Kenna Poppler, chair of the Fourth Generation advisory board. “This year we’re turning our energy to encouraging entrepreneurship in the Twin Cities, and we couldn’t think of a more fitting fundraiser than an event with some of the area’s top chefs — and entrepreneurs — for great food, great company, and a great cause!”
Tickets to Graze 4 Good may be purchased online at www.Graze4Good2013.eventbrite.com. VIP tickets ($75) include admission to the VIP reception and main event. Regular admission tickets ($45) include tastings and two drink tickets. Donors who have contributed to the Fourth Generation Fund may purchase discounted tickets ($35).
About The Minneapolis Foundation and Fourth Generation
Since 1915, The Minneapolis Foundation has partnered with generous individuals and families and effective nonprofits, and engaged civic leaders to strengthen the community through charitable giving. In 2010, Fourth Generation was formed when Community Capital Alliance became a fund of the Foundation. During its 12-year history, Community Capital Alliance made more than $225,000 in contributions to local nonprofits and more than 7,000 hours of volunteer community service.
Fourth Generation is now the place for young professionals — representing a variety of local corporations, nonprofits, and start-ups — to learn about effective, meaningful charitable giving. Members pool their resources, learn about an issue in the community, make an investment in local nonprofits, and make a difference. Since its start in 2010, members have donated $50,000 to critical issues like youth homelessness and food justice.