Free Release Tuesday: Support the Greater Chicago Food Depository at ‘Sharing It Day’ November 23

Support the Greater Chicago Food Depository and help feed the hungry this holiday season by contributing to ‘Sharing It Day’ from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23 at the Merchandise Mart, South Lobby (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, Ill.). The Merchandise Mart, the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and Jewel-Osco have teamed up to make this one-day, indoor food drive possible.

Bring a non-perishable food or cash donation to ‘Sharing It Day’ and enjoy live music, warm drinks, holiday treats, a complimentary slice of Eli’s Cheesecake and a sample from Argo Tea while supplies last. Santa will be making a special appearance so don’t forget to bring a wish list!

All canned goods and cash donations collected at ‘Sharing It Day’ will help the Greater Chicago Food Depository to feed thousands of hungry people in the Chicagoland area. Most needed items include: whole-grain cereal, rice, pasta, pasta sauce, mac and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, beans, canned meat, stew, soup, canned vegetables, canned fruit, and shelf-stable milk.

For more information or to make a donation, click here or call (312) 527-7600.

About the Greater Chicago Food Depository
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a non-profit Chicago food bank that offers a food distribution and training center, providing food for the hungry people of Cook County. Not only does the Food Depository distribute donated and purchased food, they have also developed training programs to help provide the necessary tools needed for people to break their cycle of poverty.

For more information or to volunteer, visit chicagosfoodbank.org, call (773) 247-FOOD or e-mail chicagosfoodbank@gcfd.org.

Free Release Tuesdays at Kurman
This is part of Kurman Communications’ Free Release Tuesday series. Are you a non-profit or charity with an upcoming event? Let us help promote it with our new service, FRT-Free Release Tuesdays.

What is it? All you have to do is send us news on your upcoming event, including the details—date/time, location, images, a link to a website, etc. We’ll pick out top selections and post them on our highly-read blog! Got Buzz receives thousands of page views monthly by consumers and journalists who are looking for things to do, and content to feature.

KCI is pleased to help you spread the news! Send all materials to kurmanstaff@kurman.com, and remember to follow us on Twitter @kurmanstaff.

Chicago French Market Named Best Redevelopment Project of 2009

Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton between Randolph and Washington streets, a project by the Bensidoun family of France and U.S. Equities Realty of Chicago, has been named Best Redevelopment Project of 2009. Chicago French Market appeals to the "shop local" food movement by offering about 30 vendors of fresh ingredients for home cooking or for commuters grabbing a quick lunch.  The award was presented last night at a benefit for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago's food bank. The awards dinner raised more than $850,000 to support hunger-relief programs and has raised more than $10 million in the past 22 years. More than 1,500 attendees were on hand as awards were presented in 15 categories.

Restaurant Michael's "86 Hunger" Dinner Nov. 18

The holiday season is about giving back, and Michael Lachowicz and Restaurant Michael have joined forces with Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill/Topobampo/Xoco; Jackie Shen of Red Light and other talented chefs as part of the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s inaugural “86 Hunger” dinner series. The event unites chefs and guests in an effort to end hunger in the Chicago community.

Join Restaurant Michael in taking hunger off the menu with this special opportunity Wednesday, November 18 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased at http://tinyurl.com/yh86msz. This event is open to a limited number of guests, so be sure to purchase tickets early.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago's food bank, is a nonproft food distribution and training center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in the community. The Food Depository distributes donated and purchased food through a network of 600 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters to 500,000 adults and children in Cook County every year. For more information, log onto www.chicagofoodbank.org or call (773) 247-FOOD.

About Restaurant Michael
Restaurant Michael, located at 64 Green Bay Rd in Winnetka, Ill. 60093, serves classic haute cuisine in a contemporary presentation with French country flair. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.; and Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. The restaurant is open for lunch Fridays 11a.m. -2 p.m. Complimentary parking is available. Major cards accepted. For more information or to make a reservation, call (847) 441-3100 or visit www.restaurantmichael.com.

Fight Hunger with Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, serving fresh seafood flown in daily in two Chicago-area locations (921 Pasquinelli Dr., Westmont, 630-455-9846; 798 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, 847-228-9551), offers a helping hand during these tough economic times with its Fight Hunger campaign. From July 13 through 26, purchase a dessert at either Chicago-area Pappadeaux location, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Pappadeaux, known for its fresh Gulf Coast seafood served in a fun and festive setting, also offers tempting treats for the sweet tooth, such as Bread Pudding, with bourbon sauce ($2.95); Sweet Potato Pecan Pie, with vanilla ice cream ($6.95); Banana Wafer Pudding ($6.75); Praline Cheesecake ($6.95); Vanilla Cheesecake, with fresh strawberries ($6.95); Key Lime Pie, in a graham cracker pecan crust ($6.95); Turtle Fudge Brownie, with pecans and vanilla ice cream ($6.95); Crème Brulée, with fresh fruit ($6.95); and Häagen-Dazs® Ice Cream ($2.95).

For more information on the Greater Chicago Food Depository, call (773) 247-FOOD, or visit http://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/. For more information on Pappadeaux or to join Pappadeaux’s e-mail club, visit http://www.pappadeaux.com/.