Each summer we throw a huge benefit dinner for our Frontera Farmer Foundation, which supports sustainable farms throughout the Midwest. It’s a night full of thrilling raffles, auctions and incredible food.
This year, we’re getting the party started early with a special online auction featuring once-in-a-lifetime prizes.
Bidding begins 8 a.m. Feb. 24 and ends March 5 at 8 p.m. To place your bid, please see our auction page at WinningCause.
All proceeds will be sent to the foundation, which has already raised more than $1.2 million for local farmers. Here’s a look at the prizes:
James Beard Weekend
You’ll experience a once-in-a-lifetime weekend starring Chef Rick Bayless at the 25th annual James Beard Awards ceremonies, held for the first time ever at the elegant Lyric Opera of Chicago.
The festivities kick off May 3 with admission to the exclusive James Beard Brunch and Discussion Panel featuring Beard-winning and nominated chefs, entry into the James Beard Awards VIP welcome event, dinner for two at Frontera Grill and an overnight stay at the stylish Hotel Chicago.
The prize package also includes two tickets to the James Beard Awards (a $1,000 value) on May 4 and invitations to the official James Beard Awards after party at Frontera Grill.
Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival
The prize package includes two tickets to the April 19 Chicago Contemporary Circus Fundraiser featuring food and a performance by Rick Bayless, a $1,700 value.
Winners will also receive a pair of VIP passes to all 12 shows at the June 15-21 Chicago Contemporary Circus Festival, a week of incredible performances from the world’s best contemporary circus artists.
Rick Bayless and David Schwimmer at GGlassquerade
The prize package includes two tickets to GGlassquerade, a fundraiser for Chicago’s acclaimed Lookingglass Theatre. Dinner and two tickets to a VIP cocktail reception are included, a $2,500 total value.
Winners will also have a private meet-and-greet with Lookingglass co-founder David Schwimmer and Rick Bayless, who will be honored with the theater’s Civic Engagement Award.
Dancing with Chicago Celebrities
Winners will receive two tickets (a $380 value) to Dancing with Chicago Celebrities, a benefit at Chicago’s Hyatt Regency Hotel where Rick Bayless — the event’s 2006 dancing champion — will again compete for the crown.
Now in its 10th year, the star-studded event continues its mission of raising money for breast cancer research.
It is wonderful Chef Bauless is making an effort to bring additional financial benefit to the James Beard Foundation’s charitable work. It is unfortunate a ticket lottery was not condsidered; thus, putting everyone on a level playing field at have the chance to celebrate such a glorious weekend.
Rick’s cooking reminds me so much of my grandmas dishes.
this sounds amazing! I’m not worthy.
Rick is amazing ! Would love one day to meet him . I wish i had his talent when cooking .
Rick is amazing ! Would love one day to meet him . I wish i had his talent when cooking . Watch him always on channel 11! In chicago
My partner n I enjoy your show the hospitality and yummy meals, I was coming back from Chicago and was next to you in the baggage claim in LAX I respected your privacy you smiled at me and that was enough
It would be very nice to win
It would be nice to win
I would love this! I am a cook and a huge Rick Bayless fan
#LovethisFatherDaughterTeam
Would just love this!
Rick is awesome!
Would love to meet Rick Bayless and David Schwimmer. I haven’t eaten at any of Rick ‘ s restaurants…yum!
Would love to dine with Rick and be apart of this wonderful event!!
Just would love to have the opportunity to meet Chef Bayless, and pick his culinary mind.
I JUS LIVE RICK BAYLESS COOKING SHOWS!MY SON AND I WATCH HIM OFTEN. HE S A GREAT IBSPIRATION BELIVE IR NIT FOR MY FATHERLESS SON!HE GIT HIM INTERESTED IB LEARNING HIW TO COOK!!!THANKS RICK BAYLESS!!:)
I jus live RICK BAYLESS COOKN SHOW!!HE IS A GREAT INSPIRATION FOR MY FATHERLESS SON!!HE GOT HIM iINTERESTED IN COOKING!THANKS MUCH RICK BAYLESS WE HOPE TO VISIT UR RESTAURANT SOON!!!! 🙂