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American Indian Center Gala • October 26, 2024

Feeding the Spirit of Our Community

The American Indian Center is thrilled to invite you to join us for a night of food, fun, and philanthropy at our inaugural American Indian Center Gala—Feeding the Spirit of our Community. This special evening promises to be an unforgettable celebration of culinary excellence and community spirit—all in support of our mission to promote wellness through nutrition education and community outreach as we celebrate our Food is Medicine program.

By purchasing a ticket, you’re not just attending a gala; you’re directly contributing to our efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Come be a part of something extraordinary and join us in making a positive impact. Let’s share a meal and a mission at the American Indian Center Gala!

About Our Food is Medicine Program

What is the Food is Medicine Program?

The Food is Medicine program at the American Indian Center is dedicated to promoting health and wellness within our community through the revitalization and celebration of traditional foodways. This initiative integrates our rich culinary heritage into modern health practices, emphasizing the profound connection between food, culture, and health.

Why Indigenous Food Sovereignty is Important

Cultural Preservation Indigenous food sovereignty is crucial for preserving our cultural identity and heritage. Traditional foods are not only a source of nourishment but also a vessel of cultural knowledge, practices, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. By reclaiming and revitalizing these foodways, we ensure that our cultural legacy endures and thrives.

Health and Wellness Traditional indigenous diets are inherently nutritious, often comprising whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in essential nutrients. Embracing these dietary practices can combat modern health challenges such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, which disproportionately affect our communities. Food is Medicine empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills to make healthier food choices, fostering a stronger, healthier community.

Community Resilience Indigenous food sovereignty strengthens community bonds and resilience. By cultivating, preparing, and sharing traditional foods, we reinforce social ties and create a supportive network that values and uplifts our collective well-being. Community events, cooking classes, and shared meals are integral to this process, bringing people together in celebration of our cultural heritage.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship Traditional food practices are inherently sustainable, promoting environmental stewardship and the responsible use of natural resources. By supporting local agriculture and sustainable farming practices, we not only protect our environment but also ensure a reliable and healthy food supply for future generations.

Why We Do This Program

The Food is Medicine program is a cornerstone of our commitment to the holistic well-being of the Native community in Chicago. Our goals are multifaceted:

  1. Promoting Health and Wellness: By reintroducing traditional foods into our diets, we aim to improve the overall health of our community members, reducing the prevalence of diet-related diseases.

  2. Cultural Revitalization: We strive to keep our cultural practices alive, ensuring that the knowledge of our ancestors is passed down and continues to thrive in modern times.

  3. Education and Empowerment: Through workshops, cooking demonstrations, and community events, we educate our community about the benefits of traditional foods and empower individuals to make informed, healthy choices.

  4. Strengthening Community Bonds: Food has always been a central part of our communal life. By bringing people together through shared meals and food-related activities, we strengthen our community ties and foster a sense of belonging and mutual support.

  5. Supporting Food Security and Sovereignty: By promoting indigenous food sovereignty, we are taking control of our food systems, ensuring that our community has access to healthy, culturally appropriate foods, and reducing dependence on external food sources.

Program Activities

Our Food is Medicine program includes a variety of activities designed to promote health, education, and cultural preservation:

  • Monthly Food Box Distribution: We provide monthly food boxes containing healthy indigenous foods to community members, ensuring access to nutritious and culturally significant ingredients.

  • Cooking and Gardening Workshops: These workshops focus on both food and culture, teaching participants how to grow, prepare, and cook our traditional foods and medicines. They are designed to educate and empower individuals while celebrating our culinary heritage.

  • Field Trips to Indigenous Food Producers: We organize field trips to indigenous food producers, offering hands-on learning experiences and fostering a deeper connection to our food sources and the people who cultivate them.

The Food is Medicine program is more than just an initiative; it is a movement towards reclaiming our health, our culture, and our future. Join us in celebrating and supporting this vital program at our upcoming gala.

Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024

Time: 6 – 9 p.m.

Location: Newberry Library, Chicago

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the historic Newberry Library in Chicago as we celebrate and honor the vital work of our Food is Medicine program. From 6-9 p.m., immerse yourself in an evening of culinary delights, community, and philanthropy—all in support of the American Indian Center’s mission and programming.

Highlights:

  • Food and Drink: Indulge in a selection of expertly crafted food and drinks featuring indigenous ingredients as you mingle with fellow supporters and friends.
  • Presentation by Indigenous Chefs: Gain insight into the rich history of indigenous food and culture with a special presentation by Chicago’s renowned Indigenous Chef, Jessica Pamonicutt, and AIC’s very own Indigenous Chef, Paul Molina. Learn about the intersection of indigenous traditions and our Food is Medicine program, and discover the transformative power of food as a source of healing and connection.
  • Silent Auction: Bid on an array of unique items and experiences in our silent auction, with all proceeds directly supporting the American Indian Center’s mission to empower and uplift indigenous communities.


Attire:
Cocktail attire is encouraged for this special occasion.

Contact Us: For inquiries about the event or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jay Young at jay.young@chicagoaic.org or 773.275.5871.

By purchasing a ticket, you are making a profound impact on our community and supporting all of our vital programs and initiatives. Your attendance enables us to provide fresh, nutritious traditional Native foods, educational workshops, cultural events, and essential community services. Our programs foster connections among Native Americans and keep our rich cultural heritage alive. Your support ensures we can continue empowering and uplifting our community through our diverse and impactful programming. Join us in making a difference.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference while enjoying an evening of culinary excellence and cultural celebration. We look forward to welcoming you to the American Indian Center Gala—Feeding the Spirit of Our Community!

Tickets for the American Indian Center Gala—Feeding the Spirit of Our Community are available for purchase online. Reserve your spot today and be a part of this meaningful evening dedicated to promoting wellness, cultural preservation, and community resilience.

  • $150 for individuals
  • $1100 for a table (8 tickets)
  • Food and drinks are included with each ticket
  • This is an Adults-Only event

Become a Sponsor

We invite you to join us as a sponsor for the American Indian Center Gala—Feeding the Spirit of Our Community and make a meaningful impact on our mission. By becoming a sponsor, your organization not only gains valuable exposure to a diverse audience but also demonstrates a commitment to promoting health and wellness within our community.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Download our sponsorship levels document to explore the various sponsorship opportunities available. Whether you’re interested in becoming a presenting sponsor, supporting a specific aspect of the event, or customizing a sponsorship package to suit your needs, we have options to accommodate every budget and objective.

Custom Sponsorship Packages

In addition to our standard sponsorship levels, we welcome the opportunity to create custom sponsorship packages tailored to your organization’s unique goals and preferences. If you have specific ideas or would like to discuss alternative sponsorship arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re eager to collaborate with you to maximize the impact of your support.

Contact Us

For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to discuss custom packages, please contact Jay Young at jay.young@chicagoaic.org or 773.275.5871. We look forward to partnering with you to make the American Indian Center Gala—Feeding the Spirit of Our Community a resounding success!

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Saturday, October 26, 2024
Newberry Library
6 – 9 p.m. 

Our Sponsors

At the American Indian Center, we believe in the power of community and collaboration. Our Food is Medicine Gala, “Feeding the Spirit of our Community,” wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. 

These partners share our commitment to promoting wellness and cultural understanding, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions. Their support enables us to continue our vital work, from fostering community health initiatives to preserving and celebrating Indigenous culture. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to each sponsor for standing with us and making this event a reality.

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In-Kind Partners

Join Us for Our Inaugural Gala!

"Feeding the Spirit of Our Community"

Celebrate and support the American Indian Center on Oct. 26, 2024, at the Newberry Library. Enjoy fine wines, hors d’oeuvres, a presentation by Indigenous chefs, and a silent auction. Your attendance helps empower and uplift our community.