Chefs’ Night 2026

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!

JOIN US ON MONDAY, MAY THE 4TH.

Chefs’ Night is our premier fundraising event, incorporating food experiences, heartwarming stories from our members, and opportunities to showcase the life-changing impact your generosity has on the lives of people with developmental disabilities. The event draws more than 600 guests for a night of tasting and entertainment.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
Time: 5:30-8:30 PM
Location: Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
Attire: Business casual or dress as your favorite characters. Costumes optional!

We will have some “May the 4th be with you” fun since inclusion should be important in every galaxy.

Expect a special guest appearance from a galaxy far, far away. Join us to see who’s coming!

The 501st Legion Midwest Garrison will be bringing iconic Star Wars characters to Chefs’ Night in support of CEL, and you’re welcome to dress as your favorites too!

2026 Tasting Partners

A group of Chefs' Tasting Partners posing with CEL members.

Sponsorship and tasting partner opportunities are available

  • Sponsorship packages range from $500 to $25,000, come with a variety of benefits, and can be tailored to meet your company’s needs.
  • Tasting Partner Opportunities! Do you or someone you know own/manage a restaurant, bakery, brewery, distillery or winery? Find out how you can become an official Chefs’ Night Tasting Partner!

Videos from the 2025 Chefs’ Night event:

CEL enriches the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by maximizing their opportunities for personal success, fun & friendship, employment, and community involvement.
Jeremy and Matt shared what personal success, belonging, and community mean to them in a video we premiered at Chefs’ Night last month.
Missed this year’s Chefs’ Night or still buzzing from the celebration? Watch our recap video abo
During Chefs’ Night, CEL member Jay and his sister Lisa shared how CEL has impacted their lives.

Thanks to our Generous 2026 Sponsors & Benefactors

Platinum Sponsors and Benefactors

BlueStar Chefs' Night sponsor
Morgan Lewis logo Chefs' Night sponsor
William Blair Logo Chefs' Night sponsor

Gold Sponsors and Benefactors

AMLI Residential logo Chefs' Night sponsor
Baker McKenzie logo Chefs' Night sponsor
Barnes and Thornburg Chefs' Night sponsor
Blitt and Gaines Logo Chefs' Night sponsor
Carolyn & John Borta logo
Cleary Gottlieb logo
Climb Channel Logo_new 2026
First American Bank logo
Deb and Byron Holden logo Chefs' Night sponsor
Ingram Micro sponsor logo CEL Golf Tournament and Chefs' Night sponsor
Lenovo Logo Chefs' Night sponsor
Levenfeld Pearlstein Chefs' Night sponsor
Northbrook Bank logo Chefs' Night sponsor
sponsor logo
Jim and Patty Shanks Chefs' Night sponsor

Silver Sponsors and Benefactors

  • AB Distributing, Inc.
  • Sue & Joel Bersh / AIS
  • Arrow Electronics
  • Betis Direct, LLC
  • Commvault
  • Curion LLC
  • Deloitte
  • The Dorsey Family
  • The Family of Jacob Epstein
  • Libertyville Sunrise Rotary Club
  • Long Grove Confectionery
  • Ma Labs Inc.
  • Keren & Jared Novack
  • Patzik, Frank & Samotny, Ltd.
  • Proline Options
  • Schneider Electric
  • Mike & Joyce Suchsland
  • Will & Jennifer Tippet
  • Tito’s Handmade Vodka
  • The Wagner Foundation

Bronze Sponsors and Benefactors

  • Joan & Brad Cannon
  • Crown Asset Management
  • Susan & Noel Elfant
  • The Glasser Family
  • Janice & Joel Goldblatt
  • The Hart Family
  • JAB Produce
  • Lakeside Bank
  • The Marty Family
  • Mosaic Construction
  • Harriette and Ted Perlman
  • PetWise
  • The Ripes Family
  • Lauren Schrero & Adam Levy
  • TerSera Therapeutics

Angel Sponsors and Benefactors

  • Abt Electronics
  • Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC
  • DPS Automotive
  • Mary & Nicholas Greanias
  • Gurstel Law Firm PC
  • Law Offices of Louis F. Cainkar, Ltd.
  • Joe & Pam Labellarte
  • Jerry Manning
  • Ravinia Plumbing & Heating
  • Taco Bell Albor Restaurant Group

Photography Sponsor

Mindy Garfinkle Photography Chefs' Night Photographer Sponsor

You belong at CEL!

Programs are centered on YOU! Choose from a wide range of social, recreational, and educational enrichment programs available seven days a week. Check out our program guide and learn how to get started today!

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Enrich lives today!

Your donation will transform and enrich the lives of our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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