Feed Your Mind Gala 2025

DATE: November 7th, 2025 

LOCATION: Rockwell on the River (3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618) 

TIME: 6:00 PM 

ATTIRE: Formal dress. Coat check will be provided. 

About the Feed Your Mind Gala: 

Pilot Light’s annual Feed Your Mind Gala is one of Chicago’s most anticipated fundraising & culinary events. Guests will experience a one-of-a-kind evening featuring a meal crafted by Chicago’s most-sought after culinary stars and help feed our mission to bring the power of food into classrooms across the country. 

This year’s Feed Your Mind Gala will feature a special chef-at-your-table style event, allowing guests the opportunity to enjoy a personal experience with an all-star chef preparing their meal tableside. This event format is a Pilot Light signature experience that guests won’t find anywhere else! 

Finally, we are thrilled to announce that we will be honoring Chef Rick Bayless as our Inaugural Chef Honoree. This award will recognize all Chef Bayless has done for the Chicago charitable community, as well as his passion for fostering youth leadership. Plus, a lucky few guests will have the exclusive opportunity to get face-to-face with Chef Bayless as he will be cooking for two exclusive tables!

This mix of award-winning chefs from a variety of culinary backgrounds creates an unforgettable dining experience for guests as they raise funds to invest in the future of Food Education. No other event offers the opportunity to share the room and eat the food of multiple James Beard award-winners and Rising Stars while also giving back to the community.

We are thrilled to announce the 2025 Feed Your Mind Tableside Chef Lineup: 

• Matthias Merges, Jason Hammel, Paul Kahan, and Justin Large — Pilot Light’s Founding Chefs (tables SOLD OUT!) 

• Rick Bayless -– Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco, Bar Sótano (tables SOLD OUT!) 

• Diana Dávila — Mi Tocaya, Antojería 

• Zach Engel — Galit 

• Joe Flamm — Rose Mary, BLVD Steakhouse (tables SOLD OUT!) 

• Sarah Grueneberg — Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio (tables SOLD OUT!) 

• Genie Kwon and Tim Flores — Kasama (tables SOLD OUT!) 

• James Martin — Bocadillo Market 

• Carrie Nahabedian — Brindille 

• Oliver Poilevey — Obelix, Le Bouchon

• Tony Priolo — Piccolo Sogno 

• Sarah Stegner — Prairie Grass Cafe 

• Paul Virant — Petite Vie, Vistro Prime, Gaijin

• Lee Wolen — Boka, Alla Vita, GG’s Chicken Shop (tables SOLD OUT!) 

• Jonathan Zaragoza — Birrieria Zaragoza, Čálli, El Oso