The new year brings new exciting events, especially for Chicagoans who love cars! The Chicago Auto Show is a staple of the city’s history, the first show being staged back in 1901. As the largest auto show in North America, the Chicago Auto Show brings in large crowds over the span of 10 days for guests to peruse the newest cars on the market.
A Gala with a Purpose: First Look for Charity
Before the auto show opens to the public, the Chicago Auto Show holds its annual First Look for Charity Gala. Guests get access before the general public to the show floor while dining on gourmet bites and giving back to 18 local nonprofits with the purchase of their ticket.
The First Look for Charity event annually raises millions of dollars to benefit the local charities selected. Catered by Design is one of the Chicago Auto Show’s longest-running partners, and 2025 marks our 15th year taking part in this wonderful event. We’re proud to give back to such impactful organizations in the Chicagoland community!
A Culinary Preview for Media and Guests
Every year, the show has a tasting preview where the media gets the first scoop for what’s on the menu from Chicago staple restaurants and caterers, such as us!
In years past, we have served up inventive bites such as our Vegan Mushroom Meatball on an Ube Bun and our Chicago Carmel Corn Parfait. This year we have a mix of fan favorites and new goodies for all to feast on at the gala.
Catered by Design’s First Look for Charity Menu
Hot Hors d’Oeuvres
Artichoke Hearts Au Gratin | V | GF
Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese Pops | V
Vegan “Sausage” Roll | V | DF | VGN
Sweets
Chocolate Rice Pudding | V | GF
Passionfruit Curd Tartlet | V
V ~ Vegetarian | GF ~ Gluten Free | DF ~ Dairy Free | VGN ~ Vegan
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Culinary Excellence and Dazzling Displays
As an annual sponsor, we try to outdo ourselves year after year with our delicious offerings and our magnificent displays.
Catered by Design’s mission is to serve the highest quality sweet and savory dishes, presented in spectacular fashion, and what better place to show what we can do than the largest gala of the year!
We use many of our signature equipment pieces every year from our Floating Buffet to our Rotating Tree. We love surprising guests with our display each year and always love to try something new.
Why First Look for Charity is So Special
The gala is nothing short of fantastic from getting the chance to look at the newest cars to trying the best gourmet bites to the reason why we do it all ~ giving back to 18 incredible local charities that make a difference right here in the Chicagoland area.
Getting to see returning and new faces each year at the black-tie event while doing good is such a treat. We look forward to this event every year as one of Chicago’s premium caterers and sharing our delicious creations with each and every guest.
