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The Evolved Network Kicks Off Multi-Event Eat & Evolve Fundraiser

  • Writer: Bob Benenson
    Bob Benenson
  • 3 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Chef Sebastian White Converts from One Annual Event to a Series of Smaller Events



Local Food Forum has written often about Chef Sebastian White and his non-profit organization, The Evolved Network. A former clinical psychologist who worked with at-risk children, Sebastian has developed a visionary and impactful program that provides underprivileged Chicago youths with food education, cooking lessons and life skills — and he is firmly embedded in the Chicago region's extraordinary chef philanthropic community.


Over the past few years, his work and connections have culminated in a big annual autumn fundraising and tasting event titled Eat and Evolve. This year, though, Eat and Evolve is being re-concepted into a series of smaller events.


The first of these is the Vault Dinner, so named because it takes place on the evening of Thursday, May 28 at BSH Experience & Design Center in the historic Merchandise Mart. Sebastian is teaming up with four superstar women chefs for the event:


  • Sarah Stegner, Prairie Grass Cafe (Northbrook)

  • Carrie Nahabedian, Brandille (Chicago)

  • Javauneeka Steen, Frontera Grill (Chicago)

  • Maya-Camille Broussard, Justice of the Pies (Chicago)


Click below to order tickets or make a donation if you can't attend.



Here is how Sebastian describes the shift in Eat and Evolve:


Eat & Evolve series invites chefs into a shared space not only to cook, but to express what food can hold — memory, identity, care, and connection. Each chef brings more than skill. They bring perspective, intention, and a way of engaging with food that reaches beyond the plate.



Your presence supports The Evolved Network’s work with young people across Chicago, where food becomes a pathway to connection, self-discovery, and belonging.


The Evolved Network Pop-Up Farmers Market at William Ray Elementary in Hyde Park on May 8


Earlier in May, you also have a chance to meet Sebastian and learn about The Evolved Network in the interactive setting of a pop-up school farmers market.


This event will take place on Friday, May 8, 2:30-4:30 p.m. at William Ray Elementary, 5631 S. Kimbark in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. Here's what attendees can expect:


— Fresh, local produce for families and students


— Interactive stations where students meet the farmers who grow their food


— Class-led booths created by students participating in TEN programs


— Chef partners sharing tastings and demonstrations

  • Sarah Stegner, Prairie Grass Cafe (Northbrook)

  • Tigist Reda, Demera Ethiopian Restaurant (Chicago)

  • Arshiya Farheen, Verzênay Patisserie (Chicago)

  • Darnell Reed, Luella's Southern Kitchen (Chicago)


— A joyful, communal experience that brings together families, staff, farmers, and neighbors.


No registration or admission charge for this free event, a fun and inspiring way to start that weekend.



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