helping the windy city

Southern Smoke blows into the Windy City with $4 million in aid

Southern Smoke 2019 Chris Shepherd check presentation

The Southern Smoke Foundation is coming to Chicago.

Photo by Emily Jaschke

One of Houston's highest-profile non-profits is taking its talents to the City of Big Shoulders. The Southern Smoke Foundation has launched a relief fund dedicated to restaurant workers in Chicago.

With the support of the James Beard Foundation and a group of anonymous donors, the Chicago Restaurant Workers Relief Fund already has $4 million in funds available. In addition, those donors will match up to $1 million in additional donations to give the fund a total of $6 million, and they've agreed to cover all administrative costs associated with the fund. The foundation cites a study by McKinsey & Co that estimates nearly half a million food service jobs in the Chicago metro area are at risk due to the economic slowdown from the coronavirus pandemic.

Founded by Houston chef Chris Shepherd, the Southern Smoke Foundation provides emergency relief funds to hospitality workers in dire situations. Since the start of the pandemic, the foundation has issued over $2.9 million in grants to over 2,200 people nationwide. The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards recognized Shepherd's efforts with its Hero Award.

To be eligible for the Chicago fund, a person must be able to demonstrate (through documentation such as pay stubs or a W-2) that they worked at least 30 hours a week for at least six months in a Chicago-area bar or restaurant. The foundation does not have a cap on specific award amounts, but life and death cases take priority.

“We want the people of Chicago to know that they can depend on us and that we are committed to supporting them with both conviction and compassion in every way possible,” Southern Smoke executive director Kathryn Lott said in a statement. “It is our obligation to gain the trust of the people we are here to serve in order for them to feel safe enough to ask us for help."

To help administer the fund, Southern Smoke is seeking to hire Chicago-based restaurant workers to fill roles such as caseworkers, application screeners, and communication specialists. The positions pay $15 per hour.

"This dedicated fund for Cook County will not only allow us to invest in the community by financially serving restaurant workers who are in crisis, but it also allows us to create employment opportunities for furloughed and unemployed workers so that they may serve their own community," Lott added. "This also enables Southern Smoke to form meaningful partnerships and collaborations with Chicago-rooted, locally trusted chefs, restaurant groups, advocacy organizations, fellow nonprofits and more.”

Prior to establishing its Chicago-specific fund, Southern Smoke had granted over $46,000 to 22 area hospitality workers. Ruth Rodriguez, a Chicago-based server, received a grant of $2,490, which covered two car payments, rent, and utilities. Chicago cook Michael Shawn Clendening Jr. received $1,750 from Southern Smoke for rent. In a release provided by the foundation, he expressed enthusiasm for the fund.

“Southern Smoke Chicago will be a huge help, especially in the South and Westside communities, which have become food deserts and disproportionately funded which fuels Chicago’s obvious neighborhood segregation,” he said.

charity-guide fundraisers charity

Building dreams

Sold-out Houston luncheon celebrates Habitat for Humanity

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kristi Gilliam, Janis Priest Neal, Laurie Allen, and Michelle King.

Houston Habitat for Humanity laid the foundation for the future at its annual "Building a Dream" luncheon on October 22. The fundraiser at the Briar Club roused an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, community leaders, and volunteers to champion the mission of erecting affordable homes and being a catalyst for brighter futures.

With a sold-out crowd filling the room to the rafters, the energy was palpable — a testament to the dedication of event co-chairs Chinhui Juhn, Linda Epner, and Paige Erwin. Their commitment, along with that of the audience, celebrated a milestone moment for the organization, which has helped more than 1,200 families build and achieve safe, affordable housing.

The event featured an inspiring keynote by women’s rights advocate Sima Ladjevardian, this year's recipient of the Building Dreams Award. Known for her work championing women’s rights and economic mobility, Ladjevardian's words resonated deeply with Houston Habitat for Humanity’s mission. Her speech laid brick by brick the importance of homeownership in creating stability, economic resilience, and a prosperous future — values that echo the nonprofit’s commitment to empowering families across the city.

In a touching tribute, attendee Lillie Robertson honored Ladjevardian’s recognition by making a donation of $30,000 on the spot, dedicating the gift to Houston Habitat’s ongoing work. This generous moment was one of many cornerstones throughout the event that highlighted the organization’s impact on families and communities. A powerful lineup of videos showcased the testimonials of Habitat homeowners and the heartfelt dedication of volunteers who help lay the foundations and raise the roofs to make homeownership a reality. These stories highlighted not just the organization addressing Houston’s growing housing challenges but the ultimate outcome: Creating spaces where people can build families, create memories, and thrive.

Serving as master of ceremonies, KPRC meteorologist Justin Stapleton brought his warmth and energy to the afternoon, building momentum as he guided patrons through a program focused on Houston Habitat's achievements and ambitions. Since Hurricane Harvey alone, the organization has rebuilt and repaired more than 800 homes.

Looking forward, Houston Habitat remains committed to expanding its reach and building up neighborhoods across the city, from the Fifth Ward to Clinton Park and beyond. This luncheon laid the groundwork for the organization’s ambitious goals in the coming year.

Among the 350 builders of hope were Masoud Ladjevardian, Rania Daniel, Whitney Radley, Sabiha Rehmatullah, Annette Mullins, Christopher Gardner, Carrie Pepi, Sue and Randy Sim, Jane Cizik, and Dr. Esmaeil Porsa.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Kristi Gilliam, Janis Priest Neal, Laurie Allen, and Michelle King.

fundraiser habitat for humanity gala