FCACC’s Big Night Celebrates 9 Year Anniversary

Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control (FCACC) is celebrating the return of its annual Celebrity Chefs event, Big Night, on Thursday, September 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center. The event features over a dozen of Chicago’s finest chefs serving tastings of their favorite dishes, complemented by wine and the infamous “muttini” bar, as well as a silent auction, raffles and live entertainment.

Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control is the nonprofit group committed exclusively to helping save the lives of over 23,000 animals that come into custody of Chicago Animal Care and Control (ACC) at 2741 S. Western each year.

Famed Chicago chef Jackie Shen started Big Night in partnership with FCACC in 2005 to benefit the organization by raising money and awareness for animals from Chicago’s city shelter. Jackie now provides oversight from afar, living in Michigan, and helping recruit chefs year after year. In addition to Jackie, Jill Barron of MANA Food Bar, Julio Galicia of Rockit/Sunda, Ryan Pitts of RL, and Toni Motamen of Raw Bar & Grill will be among the chefs featured.

“We’re thrilled to host Big Night again this year and welcome back an outstanding group of Chicago chefs. With the delicious food being served, the wonderful silent and live auction items, including VIP passes to “CONAN” and contemporary entertainment offered, a great night is in store for everyone,” said Jacqueline Sabian FCACC board member and co-chair of Big Night.

This year FCACC welcomes honorary chairperson Sandra Alfred, Executive Director of Chicago Animal Care and Control and emcees Channel 7 Sportscaster Jim Rose and Lifestyle Design Expert Lakesha Rose. Violinist Extraordinaire, Katarina Visnevska, will treat attendees to contemporary classical music throughout the night and Animal Communicator Carolee Biddle will be offering readings.

Big Night is the largest fundraiser for the organization, accounting for half of all fundraising dollars each year.  “Big Night is a hugely important event for Friends and we hope to have more attendees and raise more than ever! Your ticket not only provides care and comfort for Chicago Animal Care and Control’s animals it also funds a foster program, sending animals from the shelter into loving homes and giving them a second chance,” said Sabian.

Tickets are $100 in advance or $125 if purchased at the door.  Tickets can be purchased at http://fcaccbignight.eventbrite.com/.