Des Plaines-based Operation North Pole expanding to help children

Operation North Pole, the Des Plaines-based charity that organizes an annual train ride and winter festival for sick children, is throwing a fundraiser next week to help expand its reach.

The Santa Sampler culinary fundraiser Monday night at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Rosemont will feature food from 20 restaurants, live chef demonstrations, and beer and wine. Proceeds will be used to help the organization initiate a program with the American Red Cross to provide kids who have lost their homes to fire with new winter coats, according to Tim Crossin, the group's treasurer.

"We can't change the world, but we can maybe keep a kid a little warmer during the winter months - one who's life has been radically changed," he said.

Some of the food offerings will include Gibson's Gold Coast Filet Sliders, duck fat fried frog legs and Wagyu braised short ribs.

Tickets are $100, half of which qualifies as a charitable tax deductible donation. To purchase, visit operationnorthpole.org.

The event is from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at 5440 N. River Road.