Downtown Naperville eateries raise funds for Ukraine food relief

Thirteen restaurants and food purveyors in downtown Naperville banded together last week to raise funds in support of World Central Kitchen relief efforts in and around besieged Ukraine.

Together, they raised $13,759 for the organization from a percentage of their total sales for Tuesday, April 12.

Taking part in the effort were Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, Bev's, Catch 35, Cinnaholic, Empire Burgers & Brew, Firecakes Donuts, Hizemans, Naper Nuts & Sweets, Quiubo, Santo Cielo, SixtyFour Wine Bar & Kitchen, Sweet Home Gelato and the Lantern.

Groups and parties large and small dined for lunch and dinner and enjoyed takeout snacks.

One group of 21 members of the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise enjoyed dinner at Catch 35 where the general manager is a member of their club.

"We're proud that so many local chefs and diners stepped up to help this vital effort," said Deborah Newman, marketing representative for Water Street. "While the idea came from Water Street restaurateurs, it's clear that downtown Naperville businesses, the Downtown Naperville Alliance and the community were united in this humanitarian effort. It's gratifying to see how this community rallies together in times of need."

World Central Kitchen serves hot meals in makeshift kitchens set up in communities in crisis and manned by local and international restaurant professionals.

Since the Russian invasion began in late February, World Central Kitchen has served millions of meals to refugees escaping to western Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Moldova and Hungary.

Chefs for Ukraine has recruited chefs from across the globe and served more than 300,000 meals to survivors, hospital workers, and safety officers in 30 Ukrainian cities liberated from Russian attack.

According to World Central Kitchen founder Chef Jose Andres, despite suffering damage and injuries in a missile attack this week, the kitchen team in Kharkiv, Ukraine has relocated in that city and continues to serve survivors.