Rioja & TAG Events Raise $22,000 for Haiti Relief

Seven of region’s top chefs came together this past month at Rioja on Larimer Square to raise much-needed funds for Denver’s own Project C.U.R.E. and its Haiti relief fund. Together, the chefs donated their time and food to create an amazing six-course dinner with paired wines for attendees.

The sold-out event raised $21,518 for PROJECT C.U.R.E., far surpassing the goal of $16,00. This amount will fund a full container of supplies and equipment, valued at  $400,000.

“The night was so amazing,” said attendee Catherine Henry. “The food was fabulous and the atmosphere and execution were perfect. And what a great local organization.”

Larimer Square chefs Jennifer Jasinski of Rioja and Matt Anderson of Bistro Vendome were among the seven chefs who volunteered their time for the event.

Since January 15, PROJECT C.U.R.E. has delivered eight separate loads of supplies – about 800 boxes each – to Haitian earthquake survivors and the aid workers assisting them. The value of materials delivered to date is about $3 million.

“Driving back home after the dinner, I felt my heart just full of gratitude at having been able to be part of this,” said Yasmin Lozada-Hissom, chef at restaurants Duo and Olivea. “I cannot think of a better, nicer, cooler and more kind group of people working together for such a great cause.”

TAG on Larimer Square hosted its own Haiti relief dinner on Jan. 20. That night, 20 percent of all proceeds went directly to Stand with Haiti, Partners in Health. The dinner raised $1,200.