SOAR volunteers included Susan Berkes, 2nd from left. (Jeff Brown photo)
SOAR’s Farm to Table to Pier Celebration served up an evening of good food, live music and Streeterville spirit on Thursday, Oct. 1, at Harry Caray’s Navy Pier. The gathering featured a seasonal dinner highlighting vendors from the SOAR Farmer's Market, entertainment by Dr. Bombay and remarks from community leaders.
A packed house at Harry Caray's Tavern Navy Pier for the SOAR Farm-to-Table celebration. (Candace Jordan photo)
The evening began with cocktails, appetizers and live entertainment by Dr. Bombay, who received an extra musical assist when Alderman Brian Hopkins joined him on the harmonica. Guests then sat down to a dinner showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients from vendors at the SOAR Farmers Market.
Russell Steinberg, Lee Golub, Candace Jordan, Debbie Gershbein and Grant DePorter. (Jeff Brown photo)
Among the speakers was Russell Steinberg, founder of FARMZER0, a Chicago-based urban agriculture venture with an innovative approach to growing fresh produce. Steinberg shared information about the company, which transforms underused downtown office space into indoor vertical farms. Using controlled growing environments, FARMZER0 produces greens, microgreens, herbs and edible flowers year-round, bringing food production closer to the restaurants, businesses and consumers it serves.
Alderman Brian Hopkins joined the Dr. Bombay band on the harmonica. (Jeff Brown photo)
Serving as honorary chairs were Lee Golub, managing principal of Golub & Co., and Grant DePorter, president and owner of Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group. Candace Jordan, associate publisher of Chicago Star Media, was the featured guest. Debbie Gershbein, the president of SOAR, and Clare Hennessey were also on hand to welcome guests.
Subscribe to Chicago Star’s Weekly City Buzz Newsletter
The celebration supported SOAR’s community programs and its broader mission to advocate for the people who live, work and spend time in Streeterville. The nonprofit focuses on community engagement, neighborhood safety, sustainable practices, responsible development and philanthropic initiatives that help maintain the vitality of one of downtown Chicago’s most prominent residential and business districts.
You may like these Chicago Star articles:
• The Peninsula Chicago celebrates 25 years in delightfully decadent style
• Two boutique hotels planned for Northalsted district
• Chicago honors architect Lucien Lagrange with street named in his honor
• Janet Mandell brings fashion, famous faces and Chicago flair to riverfront
The SOAR Farmers Market is an important part of that work. Held weekly in season at the Museum of Contemporary Art Plaza, it connects residents with local farmers and other vendors while bringing fresh produce and neighborhood activity to the area.
Raffle prizes added another element to the evening, giving guests more opportunities to participate while supporting SOAR’s work. With its mix of neighborhood advocacy, local food and lively conversation, the celebration highlighted the connections that help keep Streeterville thriving.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.