FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 25, 2010

Contact:  Julia Shell at juliashell@juliashellpr.com or 312-203-3130

CHICAGO Mayor RICHARD M. Daley PROCLAIMS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 to BE

“CHEF ART SMITH Day IN CHICAGO”

Chef Art Smith to be Inducted into Chefs Hall of Fame on Same Day

(CHICAGO, IL) – Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley proclaims Thursday, September 30, 2010 to be “Chef Art Smith Day in Chicago”. Chef Smith is being honored because of his numerous culinary and philanthropic accomplishments, and the day concludes with his induction into the Chefs Hall of Fame by the Chicago Culinary Museum. The Museum and Hall of Fame will celebrate Chef Smith’s induction at the Mid-America Club located at 200 East Randolph in Chicago. The event will be open to the public and will also serve as a gala fundraiser for the Chicago Culinary Museum. 

In an official Mayoral Proclamation, dated June 24, 2010, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley states:

“WHEREAS, an award winning author, expert instructor and beloved media personality, Chef Art Smith brings a warm heart, generous spirit and infectious enthusiasm to all of his endeavors; and

WHEREAS, in 1993, Chef Smith founded Common Threads, a non-profit organization that teaches children about diversity and tolerance; and

WHEREAS, in 2007, Chef Smith was named Chicagoan of Year by Chicago magazine and Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation; and

WHEREAS, by sharing his efforts to combat adult-onset diabetes by changing  his eating  habits and lifestyle, Chef Smith has inspired many to take charge of their own health; and

WHEREAS, Chef Smith is the executive chef and co-owner of Table Fifty-Two and Art and Soul restaurants; and

WHEREAS, Chef Smith will be inducted into the Chicago Culinary Museum’s Chefs Hall of Fame at a Gala Fundraiser on September 30, 2010:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICHARD M. DALEY, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO, do hereby proclaim September 30, 2010, to be CHEF ART SMITH DAY IN CHICAGO, and encourage all Chicagoans to recognize his culinary skill and outstanding contributions to our city’s position as one of the world’s premiere dining and hospitality destinations.”

Tickets for the event, featuring a cocktail reception beginning at 5:30 pm with a full martini bar, silent auction, awards presentation at 6:30 and dinner at 7:00 are $175 per person and $200 at the door, if available. Tickets may be purchased by calling or emailing Carmella Anello of the Chefs Hall of Fame at 630-505-5381 or carmella.anello@us.nestle.com

About the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame:

Founded in 2006 by Chefs John Castro and John Kaufmann in conjunction with the Chicago Chefs of Cuisine Association, Inc., the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame was created to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Chicago chefs, food manufacturers, restaurateurs and hoteliers, while promoting and celebrating Chicago as a culinary Mecca.  In order to preserve and foster Chicago’s rich and diverse culinary history, the museum is dedicated to providing educational programs for all ages.  It is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose goal is to raise funds and awareness in an effort to establish a physical museum in Chicago.  For more information on the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame, please visit www.thechicagoculinarymuseum.org or call 312-718-3221.

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