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Demera's Sept. 18 Evening of Hope is Chef's Commitment to Her Homeland

  • Writer: Bob Benenson
    Bob Benenson
  • 1 day ago
  • 2 min read

Fifth annual fundraiser supports health care in war-torn Ethiopian province of Tigray


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Chicago is renowned for the generosity and philanthropy of its chef community, and Tigist Reda of Demera Ethiopian Restaurant in the city's Uptown neighborhood participates regularly in a wide variety of fundraising food events.


But Tigist has a personal humanitarian mission: addressing a major health care crisis in her home province of Tigray, which the Ethiopian government essentially cut off from the world during a deadly civil war from 2020 to 2022. And her chef peers are once again rallying to assist her at Demera's An Evening of Hope fundraiser.


The event takes place at Demera (4801 N. Broadway) on Thursday, September 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. All proceeds from the event will go to the Health Professionals Network for Tigray (HPN4Tigray) for its programs benefiting the health and nutrition of the region's women and children.



Tigist Reda and Demera Ethiopian Restaurant participated in Green City Market's Chef BBQ on September 4. Photo by Bob Benenson
Tigist Reda and Demera Ethiopian Restaurant participated in Green City Market's Chef BBQ on September 4. Photo by Bob Benenson

This support brings access to healthcare and healing to women, children, and families across Tigray and the Tunedha refugee camp in Sudan. According to the organizers, the funding goes toward:


  • Maternal health programs supporting mothers and newborns in war-devastated Tigray

  • Medical training for local health workers to help support the amount of current needs 

  • Mental health services in Tenudbha refugee camp in Sudan, where Tigrayan refugees fled for safety 

  • Malnutrition prevention by providing fortified food and training communities on how to prepare it.


And here is how the organizers describe the event and the awesome chef lineup for next week's event:


Who's Joining Us This Year 


An unforgettable culinary showcase featuring over 10 of Chicago’s finest chefs at interactive chef stations, including Demera’s own Chef Tigist, serving up hand-curated delights crafted just for this night of purpose and celebration.


—Chef Arshiya Farheen of Verzênay Patisserie

—Chef Christian Hunter  

—Chef D'Andre Carter of Soul & Smoke

—Chef Darnell Reed of Luella's Southern Kitchen

—Chef Mary Aregoni of Saigon Sisters

—Chef Rickie Perez of Logan Oyster Socials

—Chef Rishi Manoj of Mirra Restaurant

—Chef Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Cafe

—Chef Tigist Reda of Demera Ethiopian Restaurant

—Chef Zubair Mohajir - Mirra


Also at the Event


Our signature marketplace (or souk) returns, featuring original artwork, cultural clothing, and handcrafted accessories, perfect for those who love to give with impact.

The crowd-favorite live auction is back. Come ready to bid, laugh, and win in support of life-changing programs.

Meet the doctors behind the mission, whose voices from the ground help shape our work, and help us give them their flowers.

Stories that inspire from lives changed over the past five years to those still counting on us for care, dignity, and hope.

Whether you attend, gift a ticket, or make a contribution, your support fuels lasting impact. From specialized medical outreach bringing pediatric and OBGYN care to rural Tigray, to community-based mental health programs reaching those still healing from deep trauma in the refugee camps of Sudan, and computer training that opens doors for refugees, every gift helps us go further and reach those who need us most.


Great food, great people, and a cause that saves lives. Please consider attending an Evening of Hope.


 

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