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Celeste’s Full-Circle Story Now Supporting Giving Kitchen

January 12, 2026

Celeste hosts fundraiser after receiving help from Giving Kitchen

Asking for Help, Giving It Back

Sometimes asking for help is the bravest step, and sometimes it becomes the reason you give it back.

When Celeste found herself in crisis, it was Giving Kitchen that showed up with care and stability when she needed it most. Now, on the other side of illness and recovery, she is turning gratitude into action, bringing fellow industry members together to support the same mission that once supported her.

This is Celeste’s story, of vulnerability, healing, and paying it forward.

At the age of 25, I thought I was invincible to illness and hangovers. But in 2022, I was informed of my cancer diagnosis. A few weeks later, I would lose my thyroid, and months later, I would undergo radiation treatment. Radiation treatment leaves you radioactive and potentially harmful to other living things.

As a true threat to the environment, I was unable to work. Giving Kitchen paid my rent during this time. Every November, I have a small party to celebrate and honor my thyroid and the people around me who helped me through this truly awful time. This is the first year I’ve felt like myself again.

It felt only right to celebrate bigger and better. This dinner is a collaboration of support and community for an industry of people often forgotten about.

At the Milli by Metric benefit, Celeste and others 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’s advocacy 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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