SAVE THE DATE! Chefs' Night 2026

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

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!

2026 Tasting Partners

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

Platinum

BlueStar Chefs' Night sponsor
Morgan Lewis logo Chefs' Night sponsor
White and Case logo
William Blair Logo Chefs' Night sponsor

Gold

AMLI Residential logo Chefs' Night sponsor
Barnes and Thornburg Chefs' Night sponsor
Blitt and Gaines Logo Chefs' Night sponsor
Carolyn & John Borta 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
Jim and Patty Shanks Chefs' Night sponsor

Silver

  • AB Distributing, Inc.
  • Sue & Joel Bersh / AIS
  • Commvault
  • Curion LLC
  • Deloitte
  • The Dorsey Family
  • The Family of Jacob Epstein
  • Long Grove Confectionery
  • Ma Labs Inc.
  • Keren & Jared Novack
  • Patzik, Frank & Samotny, Ltd.
  • Proline Options
  • Schneider Electric
  • Will & Jennifer Tippet
  • The Wagner Foundation

Bronze

  • Joan & Brad Cannon
  • Susan & Noel Elfant
  • JAB Produce
  • Lakeside Bank
  • Mosaic Construction
  • Harriette and Ted Perlman
  • PetWise
  • TerSera Therapeutics

Angel

  • Abt Electronics
  • Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC
  • DPS Automotive
  • Gurstel Law Firm PC
  • Law Offices of Louis F. Cainkar, Ltd.
  • 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!

Become a Member

Enrich lives today!

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

Donate Now