30 Chefs Unite For ‘Dim Sum Give Some’ Fundraiser
The event, supporting Kennedy’s Disease research, returns April 13 for its sixth installment.
Dan Jacobs (left) and Dan Van Rite. © 2017 Galdones Photography
A single siu mai won’t fill you up—after all, it’s just one dumpling. But when it’s part of a larger dim sum spread, small bites add up—just like charity, where each contribution builds towards something greater.
Chefs Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite announced Monday the return of Dim Sum Give Some, a charitable dining event featuring an all-star lineup of chefs to benefit the Kennedy’s Disease Association (KDA).
Jacobs and Van Rite, co-owners of DanDan and EsterEv, held the inaugural fundraiser in 2017. This year’s event, sponsored by OpenTable, will take place April 13 at noon to 3 p.m. at Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., featuring small-plate dishes from participating chefs.
Along with a host of Milwaukee-based chefs, Jacobs, a “Top Chef” alum, has recruited nearly every contestant from his season for the fundraiser.
“I couldn’t be more excited to bring all of these people together,” Jacobs said. “People will get to try a bunch of different food from some of their favorite cheftestants, and on top of that, we have chefs coming from Madison, Chicago and our own favorites here in Milwaukee.”
A full list includes Rasika Venkatesa, Jason Hammel, Soo Ahn, Savannah Miller, Jason Vincent, Zach Engel, Charly Pierre, Alisha Elenz, Amanda Turner, Manny Barella, Kaleena Bliss, Michelle Wallace, Thomas Hauck, Sean Pharr, Dan Bonanno, Itaru Nagano, Jamie Brown-Soukaseume and Aaron Kabot, with Milwaukee chefs including Paul Bartolotta of The Bartolotta Restaurants, Adam Siegel of Lupi & Iris, Kurt Fogle of Dairyland Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard and Hamburgers, Karen Bell of Bavette La Boucherie, Kyle Knall of Birch, Paul Zerkel of Goodkind, Mitch Ciohon of Taco Moto, Justin Aprahamian of Sanford, Gregory León of Amilinda, Dane Baldwin of The Diplomat and Adam Pawlak of Egg & Flour.
The lineup nearly triples that of last year’s event, held at Milwaukee Athletic Club. Jacobs said it’s been gratifying to see the project expand its reach and impact.
“Growth has been the biggest thing,” he said, also praising OpenTable’s partnership. “They’ve done such a great job of helping us promote the event and really push it to the next level. Our goal here is to give away as much money as possible to the KDA, and OpenTable has really made that possible for us.”
The cause is a personal one for Jacobs, who was diagnosed with Kennedy’s Disease in 2016. Over time, the progressive neuromuscular disorder causes symptoms like muscle atrophy, hand tremors and difficulty swallowing, among others.
“As my motor skills continue to degrade, it just makes me want to work harder and more passionately for the things I truly believe in,” Jacobs said.
In light of a life-changing diagnosis, Jacobs said said the support — especially from his fellow “Top Chef” contestants — has been lifegiving.
“It’s amazing, and it’s a testament to, I think, how close we were as a group during during filming,” he said. “It was a very unique experience, and we’ll forever have that bond.”
The event has evolved from a cocktail party to a multi-course, seated dinner and now takes a free-flowing format, with each participating chef manning a tasting station. It’s raised more than $100,000 for Kennedy’s Disease research since its inaugural year.
Jacobs remains a fierce advocate for chefs with disabilities. “Since my diagnosis, my mission as a chef and restaurateur has evolved into advocating for differently-abled people, particularly in the culinary industry, where physical challenges present significant obstacles,” he said in a statement. “It’s an honor to use our platform as a way to drive awareness and fund research for a cause so close to home.”
In addition to fighting for his own health, Jacobs said his activism is driven by his family. His brother has also been diagnosed with Kennedy’s Disease, and his niece is a carrier. Someday, she may face a difficult decision regarding having children. But Jacobs is doing everything he can to ensure that day never comes.
“Every dollar we raise is one step closer to taking this decision out of my niece’s hands. I want to be able to take that choice away from her. Have kids or don’t, but don’t make this the reason why.”
Tickets to the 2025 Dim Sum Give Some are available to purchase for $100 online.
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