Chefs for Jimmy aims to raise $1 million

Date: 1/19/2010

Jan. 20, 2010.

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



AGAWAM -- Twenty years ago Michael Katz had no idea that his small fundraiser featuring local restaurants would become a magnanimous event raising almost $1 million for the Jimmy Fund.

Chefs for Jimmy at Chez Joseph, 176 Shoemaker Lane, on Jan. 22 will feature 30 of the Pioneer Valley's top restaurants. Over 1,000 people are expected to attend. This year's goal is to raise $125,000 to bring the 20-year total to $1.25 million for the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Katz, co-chair and founder of the event, told Reminder Publications he never imagined the event would grow to such a large scale.

He noted each restaurant donates their staff, time and food to the benefit. "It's a significant donation on their part," Katz said.

He noted some of the restaurants featured in this year's Chefs for Jimmy include Eighty Jarvis Restaurant in Holyoke, the School Street Bistro in Westfield, Latitude Restaurant in West Springfield and the Blue Heron in Sunderland.

Katz said this year's event will have a Monopoly theme courtesy of Hasbro.

"The School Street Bistro is proud to be a partner with other local restaurants supporting a noble cause," John Loveland of School Street Bistro said. "The dedication of the Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber Foundation to help children and cancer patients in need is outstanding. We are so fortunate to have these organizations offering the care and services to our communities and nation. We are excited and look forward to be a part of such a great event."

Katz noted there will also be a silent auction featuring tickets to "The Rachael Ray Show" in New York City and "The Dr. Phil Show" in Los Angeles as well as sports memorabilia, vacations, artwork and more.

Tickets to the 2010 Chefs for Jimmy are only available in advance by calling (800) 52-JIMMY or online at www.jimmyfund.org/chefs-for-jimmy. Tickets are $75 per person.

The event will take place on Jan. 22 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and include tastings, an opportunity drawing, a silent auction and DJ.

To learn more about the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, visit www.dana-farber.org.