Chef Art Smith's packed pickleball party with a purpose

Renowned chef Art Smith celebrated his 64th birthday in style at SPF Chicago (Social Pickleball Fun) located at 2121 N, Clybourn. The exclusive invite-only event was co-hosted by rugby star and celebrity trainer Lucas F. Cancelier and served as a fundraiser for Best Buddies International, the new Argentina chapter, of which Cancelier is a celebrity ambassador.

The evening buzzed with excitement as nearly 200 guests gathered to mix, mingle, and indulge in the increasingly popular sport of pickleball. SPF Chicago, the city's most recent and largest pickleball facility, provided the perfect backdrop for players of all ages and skill levels to come together for a night of fun.

Guests were treated to an array of delectable food stations curated by Art's close friends, featuring favorites from America’s Dog & Burger, Coalfire Pizza, Miru Sushi, Big Star Taco Truck, The Dumpling Lady, Hello Boba, Justice of the Pices, Soul & Smoke BBQ food truck, Sporty Bird (an upcoming collaboration with Lady Gaga), and Art's own Reunion restaurant. The venue was adorned with stunning floral displays generously donated by Art's friend, Debi Lilly.

Professional pickleball players joined amateurs for an evening of friendly competition, complemented by a captivating performance from Dr. Walt Whitman’s Soul Children of Chicago.

A highlight of the event was a lively auction, featuring enticing packages such as a trip to Buenos Aires with a luxurious stay at the Four Seasons Hotel and a personalized tour by Cancelier. Other coveted items included a private dinner prepared by Chef Art Smith himself, a custom pickleball paddle crafted by Art's husband and artist, Jesus Salgueiro, and a one-year membership to SPF.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Linda Johnson Rice, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Anthony Kennedy Shriver (founder of Best Buddies International), former rugby player Ben Cohen, Neal Zucker, music maestro Rich Daniels, pro pickleball player Emir Hamzic, Manolis Alpogianis (Art’s partner), Chuck Jordan, Rich Green (co-founder of SPF Chicago), Jimm Cobb, Nashaub Ahmed (Art’s party planner), Chef Hector Guerrero, and Eda Davidman (Gene Siskel Film Center), among others.