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From crisis to community: highlights from the Milli Benefit Dinner

November 26, 2025

Milli Metric Fundraising event for Giving Kitchen in chicago raises $7,000

Earlier this November, the Milli by Metric benefit dinner in Chicago, Illinois brought the food service community together to celebrate resilience, generosity, and care. The event honored two former Giving Kitchen clients, Celeste Baca and Courtney Kenyon, who turned their personal challenges into a mission to give back.

Celeste, who sought support from Giving Kitchen while navigating cancer as a food service worker, and Courtney, who connected with us after a motorbike accident, reminded everyone that the food service community thrives when we support each other. Chef Josh Mummert, Michelin Guide Chicago Young Chef Award recipient, also shared his journey stepping back from kitchen work due to an autoimmune disorder, demonstrating that crises in food service come in many forms, and community support is essential.

How Giving Kitchen Supports Food Service Workers

When illness interrupts work, financial stress can quickly follow. Giving Kitchen provides financial assistance and Stability Network resources to help food service workers maintain stability while focusing on recovery.

Support can include:

  • Financial assistance for essentials such as rent, mortgage, utilities, and groceries during treatment.

  • Stability Network resources like low-cost medical and mental health care, family services, legal support, financial coaching, and referrals for housing and other community services.

As Celeste’s story shows, asking for help is a courageous step, and Giving Kitchen is proud to be a steady hand on the path to stability.

Celeste shares her story of Asking for help from Giving Kitchen
collage of food service workers at Giving Kitchen fundraising event in Chicago

Paying It Forward: Giving Back Through Action

At the Milli by Metric benefit, Celeste, Courtney, and Josh shared their experiences while raising awareness and funds for food service workers facing crises. Their stories highlighted a key truth: when stability returns, many choose to pay it forward.

Celeste and Courtney’s advocacy, combined with Josh’s perspective, emphasized that care in the food service community is not just about money—it’s about compassion, practical resources, and a safety net for every crisis.

And a special thank you to the supporters who donated ingredients to make this dinner possible to Chefs Warehouse, Nichols Farms, Four Rivers Farms, Regalis, and Jun Bug Kombucha. A HUGE thank you to the people volunteering their time and energy to the evening. Josh Mummert, Courtney Kenyon, Lou Tuner, Kirstin Alexander, Eryka Szymel, Ashley Akers, Jordan Figueroa, Raina Tian, Kordell, Phillips, Maddy Morrison, Ryan Smith, and Luke Kenyon.

Impact of the Milli by Metric Benefit Dinner

Thanks to the generosity of attendees, food and beverage partners, and everyone involved at the Milli by Metric Chicago event. The night raised over $7,000. Your support translates into real-life impact:

  • 6 months of housing support for food service workers

  • 47 power bills paid on time

  • 24 water bills paid with the water flowing

  • 141 gas bills paid, and their houses are safe and warm.

This is what community looks like—neighbors helping neighbors so food service workers can focus on healing and building steadier lives.

How You Can Support Your Local Food Service Community

  • Food service workers in crisis: Reach out to Giving Kitchen for help. You are not alone.

  • Employers and managers: Share resources with your team, normalize taking time to heal, and partner with Giving Kitchen to provide accessible support.

  • Community members, diners, and neighbors: Attend local benefit events like Milli by Metric, host fundraisers, donate, or share Giving Kitchen’s resources with someone in need.

Get Involved

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