Corks & Crayons: Support Purple Asparagus' School Programs

It's that time again - Purple Asparagus' annual benefit is this Sunday, August 30, from 4-7pm at Uncommon Ground's Devon Street location (1401 W. Devon).

The all-ages, end-of-summer party will feature a sampling of delicious, family-friendly selections from Uncommon Ground's menu. Grown-ups can also sip wine donated by Candid Wines, assorted beers from Three Floyds, Uncommon Mint Juleps with Templeton Rye and iced coffee from Crop to Cup while younger guests can select from age-appropriate beverages from the restaurant's non-alcoholic menu.

The event will include a mini farmers' market for kids, a gardening demonstration by The Organic Gardener, and music by American roots and blues duo Eric Noden and Joe Filisko, There will also be a raffle and a silent auction for bidding on gourmet treats, great retreats and more, including an overnight stay at the Park Hyatt with dinner for two at NoMi, gift certificates for Mado, Carnivale and Elephant Thai. During this kid-friendly fundraiser for Purple Asparagus, families will also be able to tour the certified-organic green roof atop Uncommon Ground where the restaurant grows much of the produce on its menu.

Purple Asparagus is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to bringing families back to the table by promoting all the things associated with good eating. The group has partnered with Green City Market, the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs for a wide variety of cultural and educational programs. The money raised at this event will help Purple Asparagus expand its educational program. Currently, the organization provides an afterschool program in two schools in under-served communities. It also provides periodic programming in about five additional Chicago Public Schools. The organization plans to create an extensive volunteer program in order to increase the number of schools that it serves, which is why this event's success is so critical.

If you can't make the event but would still like to support it, check out http://www.purpleasparagus.com where you can bid on our silent auction for some of the big ticket items, buy now other items including dinner for two at Vie with wine pairings and purchase raffle tickets, prizes include gift baskets, magazine subscriptions and other goodies.

Tickets for "Corks & Crayons" are $50 (nonmembers $55) for adults, $22 ($25) for young adults ages 13-21 and $12 ($15) for ages 5-12. Kids under 5 are free. Money raised at the event will help Purple Asparagus expand its school programs and enable the organization to teach more families about the pleasures and importance of eating well. Tickets can be purchased via credit card at http://www.brownpapertickets.com, or by checks payable to Purple Asparagus sent in care of Melissa Graham, 1854 W Newport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657. For more information on the event and Purple Asparagus membership, visit http://www.purpleasparagus.com.

We have our tickets. We especially appreciate the newly added young adult price. Don't feel left out if your kids are now teens.