Sue Z.'s Charitable Check-In: June

Sue Z.’s recommended June philanthropic events raise awareness about breast cancer, fight childhood hunger, and more

Breast Dinner Ever

What: Breast Dinner Ever
When: Thursday, June 8, 5 p.m.
Where: Joan’s in the Park, 631 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul

Named Outstanding Restaurant at the Charlie Awards last year, Joan’s in the Park will hold a benefit for the Breast Cancer Education Association with hopes to raise $5,000 or more. The delicious four-course dinner will be prepared by chef/co-owner Susan Dunlop and served by co-owner Joan Schmitt and staff. You’ll feel like you’re eating in your best friend’s dining room. There will also be door prizes and a wall of wine. A few seats remain, so call Joan at 651-689-3257. #BreastDinnerEver”‹
Tickets are $125 plus tax and gratuity. Learn more

INSIDER INFO: Most all of the food served at Joan’s in the Park is made in the pizza oven that was there when the owners bought the restaurant—from appetizers, main dishes, and sides to breads and desserts. (They should do a pizza oven cookbook for everything that’s not pizza.)


A Culinary Sisterhood

What: Illuminight Firefly Sisterhood
When: Wednesday, June 14, 5–8 p.m.
Where: Solar Arts Building, 711 NE 15th Ave., Minneapolis

Help ensure that no woman in our community faces a breast cancer diagnosis alone. Join founder Kris Newcomer and her wonderful Firefly Sisterhood for this signature female-chef event. The local nonprofit has served more than 400 women in less than three years. Make meaningful connections and taste delectable foods from a parade of women chefs, including:

  • Heidi Marsh, formerly of Hi-Lo Diner
  • Erica Strait of Foxy Falafel
  • Heather VanHorn of Crave
  • Mel and Ky Guse of Gyst
  • Arianna Baker-Kern and Elizabeth Mullen of Chowgirls Killer Catering
  • Janene Holig of Hot Indian Foods
  • Mary Cohen of Bad Waitress
  • Ashlee Olds of Sweet Science Ice Cream
  • Jackie Smalley of Creative Culinary
  • Beth Fisher of Rustica
  • Cynthia and Katy Gerdes of Angel Food Bakery
  • Margo Bredeson of Patisserie Margo

Tickets are $125 for patrons and $75 for individuals. Learn more

INSIDER INFO: This event not only educates but ensures there is help out there for those in need.


Football & Philanthropy

What: Taste of the Vikings
When: 6:30–10 p.m.
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, 401 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis

Meet and greet Vikings players past and present and taste food from more than 25 local restaurants, including 4 Bells, Big Bowl, BLVD, Corner Table, Kincaid’s, Lake Elmo Inn, Lord Fletcher’s, McKinney Roe, Mill Valley Kitchen, Mercy, Revival, Rustica, Oceanaire, Wildfire, and more—plus enjoy E&J Gallo wine while rubbing shoulders with and getting autographs from your favorite football heroes, legends, and coaches. Money raised goes to the Second Harvest Heartland Kick Childhood Hunger Summer Meals Program.
General admission tickets are $175 while Vikings-season tickets are $150. Learn more

INSIDER INFO: Wayne Kostroski started the Taste of the Vikings as well as the Taste of the NFL with volunteer teams, which have helped raise funds for local food banks at the Super Bowl for over 25 years—and it all started right here in downtown Minneapolis.

Sue Zelickson (Sue Z.) is a James Beard Award-winning food media personality, philanthropist, and longtime contributor to Minnesota Monthly and WCCO radio. She has founded the Charlie Awards, the Women Who Really Cook networking organization for women in the local food industry, and the Kids Cafe at Perspectives, Inc., which improves access to nutritious meals for families in need. You can find her buzzing around from event to event throughout the Twin Cities, helping to raise funds for charitable organizations, including some she has had a hand in building.