Chicagoans ramp up relief efforts for L.A. wildfire victims

Chicagoans are already coming together through charitable donations, volunteer efforts, and partnerships with both local and national organizations involved in the relief efforts. Local restaurants, various organizations, and individuals are organizing fundraising initiatives to provide essential aid to the affected areas. Every Chicagoan has the opportunity to contribute, making a meaningful difference both in the immediate aftermath and during the long process of rebuilding lives and communities in L.A.

Chicagoans have been stepping up in many ways to assist those affected by the fires. Individuals and organizations in the city have organized fundraisers, donation drives, and volunteer efforts. Local businesses, such as restaurants and stores, have contributed by offering proceeds from sales or providing goods like food, clothing, and essential supplies. Their efforts highlight the strength of the city’s sense of community and support in the face of disaster. Here are their stories and ways that you can also help.

Chicago Chefs Cook

Co-founded by both notable Chicago chefs and restaurateurs, Chicago Chefs Cook is a non-profit humanitarian organization that unites the Chicago culinary community to make a difference in local and global communities in need. Through organizing charity events, delivering meals to those in need, and offering assistance during times of crisis, the organization demonstrates how they provide aid to such struggles caused by limited food access in underserved communities and providing assistance in emergencies and disasters.  

At participating restaurants during January and February, a portion of proceeds from select menu items will be donated to assist in the rebuilding and restoration of the culinary community in L.A. County. Participating restaurants are:

A Taste of the Philippines        Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

Adorn Restaurant & Bar             Jan. 13 to Feb. 1

Alla Vita                                             Jan. 13 to Jan. 31                

bar Berria                                         Jan. 24 to Feb. 9

BITES Asian Kitchen + Bar        Feb. 24 to Feb. 9

BOKA                                               Jan. 13 to Jan. 31

Brasero - TBD

Camelia Bakes - TBD

Demera                                           Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

Eden                                               Jan. 15 to Feb. 8

El Che - TBD

El Molcajete Sauces                          Jan. 10 to Feb. 28

Floriole                                            Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

For a                                               Jan. 13 to Feb. 28

Frontera Grill                                   Jan. 14 to Jan. 31

Frontier                                          Feb. 6

Galit                                                Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

Gene & Georgetti - TBD

GG's Chicken Shop                           Jan. 13 to Jan. 31

Good Ambler                                   Jan. 13 to Feb. 13

Heart & Soul Bakeshop                     Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

Hermosa - TBD

Hewn Bakery                                   Jan. 14 to Feb. 7

JT's Genuine Sandwich Shop            Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

Katherine Anne Confections              Jan. 13 to Feb. 7

Lardon                                            Jan. 10 to Feb. 28

LeTour Brasserie - TBD

Lexington Betty Smoke House           Jan. 15 to Feb. 1

Loaf Lounge                                    Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

Luella's Southern Kitchen                 Jan. 15 to Feb. 28

Lula Café                                        Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

Lynn's Chicago Pizza                        Jan. 13 to Feb. 1

Masiramon Chicago - TBD

Meadowlark                                    Jan. 10 to Feb. 2/28

Mochinut Lincoln Park                       Jan. 13 to Jan. 31

NaKorn                                            Jan. 15 to Feb. 7

Petite Vie                                         Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

Prairie Grass Cafe - TBD

Rebecca's Confections                      Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

Chef Art Smith’s Reunion                           Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

Sifr                                                      Jan. 13 to Feb. 28

Soul & Smoke                                    Jan. 10 to Feb. 28

Sweet Delights Chicago - TBD

Tasting India - TBD

TenGoku Aburiya                           Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

Thattu                                               Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

The Dearborn - TBD

The Evolved Network                  Jan. 21 to Jan.25

Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval     Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

Tortello                                            Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

Union                                               Jan. 10 to Feb. 28

Vanille Patisserie                         Jan. 30 to Feb.1

Verzênay Chicago                      Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

Vistro Prime                                    Jan. 13 to Feb. 10

Windy City Burger Social Club      Jan. 20, Jan.31, Feb. 1

More coming soon...

 Vicky Brown from The American Red Cross of Illinois, Rockford chapter

Vicky Brown is a Red Cross volunteer from the Rockford chapter who has been called to deploy to Los Angeles. Brown is a veteran disaster relief volunteer. In California, she will supervise a team that provides food, shelter and emotional support to those impacted. “Everyone needs to be a helper, to try to make something, even as horrible as it is, try to make it a little better. I think being a Red Cross volunteer, you can really be a helper to help improve someone’s day," said Brown.

Communications Manager Mara Thompson urges people who wish to aid the victims to donate to The American Red Cross. “The best way to help at this time, when you are not able to be there physically, is to make a financial donation. That ensures the Red Cross can help people impacted as quick as possible, making sure they have a safe place to go.”

The American Red Cross is providing food, water, health, emotional support services, and shelter to wildfire victims and their domestic family pets.  

The American Red Cross (ARC) is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, blood collection, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States. Ninety percent of all donations go to charity. The remaining 10 percent are for administrative costs, such as computer systems, telecommunications, volunteer management, HR, payroll systems, fundraising, communications, and other support services using volunteers to keep costs low.

The ARC is always in need of volunteers. Visit the Red Cross website for donations or more information on how to take part.

Nonso Kojo Onwaeze, Northwestern University student

Nonso Kojo Onwaeze is a freshman at Northwestern University. He and his friend Nate Berman are natives of Los Angeles who started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the Los Angeles fire victims.

“For many of us with roots in Los Angeles, these aren’t just faraway news stories--they’re deeply personal. Friends, loved ones, and even fellow Northwestern students are among those grappling with unimaginable loss,” the young men stated on their GoFundMe page.

“Every dollar counts in helping families rebuild, supporting first responders, and offering vital resources to displaced individuals. Whether it’s a small contribution or a larger one, your generosity can make a world of difference. We are donating 100 percent of the money to the California Fire Foundation,” expressed the men.

The California Fire Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect. The foundation supports programs for survivor assistance projects and community initiatives such as:

The California Firefighters Memorial

California Benevolent Fund: provides emergency support to departments of injured or fallen firefighters in the line of duty.

California Firefighters Endowment and Daniel A. Terry Scholarship Program: provides educational assistance to the children of fallen firefighters. The foundation also provides grants to individuals who demonstrate financial hardship to take the FCTC Candidate Physical Ability Test or written exam, which are the recognized standards for physical and educational testing and recruitment within the fire service.

 Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) Program: Brings immediate, short-term relief to survivors of fire or other natural disasters throughout California.

 The California Fire Foundation: $250 gift cards to eligible survivors of fire or other natural disaster to purchase basic necessities such as medicine, food or clothing.

 Firefighters On Your Side Program: Supplies public safety resources and conducts community outreach and fire safety education.

And other organizations that aim to enhance and improve the communities of California.

Girl and the Goat, Stephanie Izard owner

Stephanie Izard will be holding a fundraiser brunch on Sunday, Jan. 19. There will be an all-star lineup of chefs including Chicago chefs Jason Vincent of Giant and Jonathon Sawyer of Kindling, Maneet Chaunan, Joe Sasto, and Boston chef Karen Akunowicz.

The Chefs in Action, LA Fire Relief Brunch will be on Sunday, Jan. 19, at 11 a.m. at Girl and the Goat,  809 W. Randolph Street. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased through Eventbrite via OpenTable.

In an Instagram post announcing the brunch, Girl and the Goat states that “Proceeds from each ticket will go directly to the@cafirefound to aid wildfire victims through its wildfire and disaster relief programs. We’ll also have auction items and other ways to donate. Every little bit helps! Follow California Wildfire Relief & Disaster Fund to learn more and get your ticket via the link.”