Purple Asparagus Event | Corks & Crayons 2010

It's that time of year again and Purple Asparagus' annual fundraiser, Corks & Crayons is just around the corner, August 29 from 4-7pm at Uncommon Ground at 1401 West Devon Street.

The event, run by Pivotal Chicago, will include a mini farmers’ market sponsored by Harvest Moon Organics farm, kids fun on the Dolores Kohl Education Foundation's StoryBus, music from Old Town School of Folk Music artists, a raffle, and a silent auction for bidding on gourmet treats, getaways, and more. Guests will enjoy selections from Uncommon Ground’s kitchen, Candid Wines, Templeton Rye cocktails and craft beers from Three Floyds. Attendees will also be able to tour the certified-organic green roof atop Uncommon Ground where the restaurant grows some of the produce on its menu.

Tickets for “Corks & Crayons” are $55 for member adults (non members $60), $22 for young adults ages 13 through 21 (non members $25) and $12 for ages 5-12 (non members $15). Kids under 5 are free. Tickets can be purchased via credit card at http://www.brownpapertickets.com or by check payable to Purple Asparagus sent in care of Melissa Graham, 1824 W Newport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657.

Given that the great and mighty Gwiv is a board member, we have a lot of wonderful foodie goodies on our auction some of which are available to buy now in our online auction, including gift certificates from Edzo's, Franks & Dawgs, Sun Wah, Zaragoza, Urban Belly, Prairie Grass and Vie. Click here to check out our extensive list: http://purpleasparagus.com/buyitnow2010.html Also, if you're on the Twitter, as Craig Ferguson calls it, follow @corksandcrayons for special Twitter auctions that will continue in to and onsite at the event. We've got a very special item: A No-Wait Dinner for 2 at Great Lake (Wednesday/Thursday) with a special gift from Nick and Lydia. We also have an overnight stay in one of the Elysian's executive suites, a lesson in making salted caramel ganache from Flora Lazar, and Gale Gand's signed chef jacket with a copy of her Brunch book.

Purple Asparagus is a Chicago based 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2005 to promote healthy eating in children and families, especially in Chicago's neediest communities. Since then, we have participated in a wide range of activities intended to encourage families to enjoy cooking and eating healthy food, as well as improving understanding about the positive impact of growing and consuming healthy, local foods. In the 2009-10 school year, we've undergone a significant expansion providing over 120 hours of free educational programming to schools, community centers, farmer’s markets, and health fairs in Chicago serving roughly 5,000 students in over 30 Chicago neighborhoods on a shoestring budget with an all volunteer staff. A successful fundraiser will allow us to continue expanding our work, especial in additional underserved communities. For more information about the event and Purple Asparagus membership, visit http://www.purpleasparagus.com.

The Local Family is looking forward to this upcoming event, especially as we know how hard MAG has been working her tush on various projects these days. If you care about good food for all you should care about what Purple Asparagus is doing. Melissa is especially involved in getting better school lunches. (How she can do that and also make endless educational appearances I'm not quite sure.) You can show your support and have an excellent time this Sunday too. Last year, my wife drank her money's worth in Templeton Rye cocktails, and as she'll have worked earlier that day at the Wicker Park Farmer's (bullsh$@) Market, she'll be especially thirsty. I hope others join us.

If you cannot join, or even if you can, you should also look into the Twitter auction the Corks and Crayons folks are throwing. It really gives you a chance to participate, and who does not want to have a chance to participate in getting a NO WAIT dinner at Great Lakes Pizza--well, maybe you all should not bid on that one 'cause I think I want it. There's a bunch of other good stuff. Just go to the twitter.com/@corksandcrayons page and go from there. I'd be curious what other people have their eye on, bid wise.

LTH,

Event starts at 4pm, still a few tickets left. Will be fun, educational, interesting and fun. Beer wine and cocktails for the adults, juices and other good for you drinks for the kids. Farmer's market, silent auction, delicious food, games, something for everyone.

Hope to see you there.

Enjoy,
Gary