Want to Feel Better at Work? How Corporate Compassion is Making Employees Happier Than Ever
Imagine gathering your coworkers, rolling up your sleeves, and diving into an epic culinary showdown where your team’s kitchen creations don’t just win a trophy—they help nourish cancer patients and support their recoveries. That’s the heart of Culinary Care’s mission, and it all comes together in our Corporate Cook-Off!
The Corporate Cook-Off isn’t your average work team-building activity—it’s a Chicago-wide cooking competition that brings teams closer, boosts employee engagement, and makes a real difference. Companies from all over the city come together to show off their culinary skills, all to help us provide more nourishing meals to cancer patients and their families. It’s like a recipe for team success, with a dash of compassion and a sprinkle of fun!
Culinary Care’s Corporate Cook-Off: Bringing Together Chicago's Most Philanthropic and Culture-Driven Companies
So, what exactly is the Corporate Cook-Off? Let’s dig in:
A Hands-On Culinary Experience
Participating companies get to go behind the scenes at a restaurant and cook side-by-side with a top Chicago chef. It’s hands-on, super fun, and a great way to learn some pro tips! Plus, it strengthens teamwork, compassion, and camaraderie within your team—key ingredients for a positive corporate culture.
A City-Wide Competition
Companies go head-to-head with other teams in Chicago and are judged based on specific criteria (more on that below!). The winning team gets to take home the prestigious Impact Cup, a symbol of excellence and community impact. It’s like the cherry on top of an amazing experience!
The prestigious Impact Cup!
A Way to Help Nourish Cancer Recoveries
While your team is cooking up a storm, they’re also supporting something bigger. The Cook-Off helps us provide free, nourishing meals to cancer patients and their families. It’s a powerful way to mix your company’s corporate values with a meaningful cause, showing that your business truly cares about making a difference. Talk about a recipe for success!
Press play to see some of the fun we had in 2023!
The Secret Sauce to Winning The Impact Cup: Judging Criteria
Winning The Impact Cup isn’t just about culinary skills; it’s about embodying the spirit of the event and proving your team knows how to work together. The Impact Cup is awarded to one team each year based on how much you CARE.
Here’s how the judging works:
Culinary Excellence (Taste)
Does your dish make the judges’ taste buds dance? That’s what this category is all about. Your team’s ability to create something delicious is key.
Aesthetic Appeal (Presentation)
It’s not just about taste—your dish has to look amazing, too. Presentation is crucial, and the team that makes their dish a visual masterpiece scores big here. It’s all about plating with pizzazz!
Resemblance to Chef’s Dish (Match the Chef)
Remember when we said you’d cook with a pro? Well, here’s where it pays off. Your team’s dish needs to match the chef’s creation as closely as possible, so pay attention to those details!
Employee Engagement (Event Attendance, Volunteerism, Giving)
The judges are also looking at how engaged your team is. Did your company show up in full force? Did you get involved, volunteer, or donate? The more your team gives back, the higher you’ll score. The secret ingredient? Passion and participation!
Announcing the Impact Cup Winner at The Gourmand Gala
All the excitement of the Corporate Cook-Off leads up to one spectacular night—the Gourmand Gala. This isn’t just any event; it’s the night where corporate culture and community impact take center stage!
This year’s Gourmand Gala is happening on Thursday, November 14th. Guests will be enchanted by 30+ chef stations, casino tables, a live magic show, and of course, the announcement of the winner of The Impact Cup! It’s a night filled with joy, celebration, and a shared commitment to making a difference. It’s the icing on the cake after an amazing competition season!
Congratulations to Barings for winning the 2023 Impact Cup!
Winning The Impact Cup is a huge boost for your company’s corporate values. It’s not just a trophy—it’s a symbol of teamwork, creativity, and a commitment to the community. Companies that participate in the Corporate Cook-Off do more than just compete—they bring their teams closer, boost employee engagement, and showcase their corporate values in a way that’s both fun and meaningful.
The Impact Cup is a daily reminder of what your team can achieve together, not just in the kitchen, but in making a real impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families. It’s a recipe for success, with a whole lot of heart!
Best of luck to all the amazing teams competing in this year’s competition!
Want to get your caring company involved? It’s an opportunity to strengthen your team, enhance your corporate culture, and contribute to a cause that truly matters. Sign up today and let’s cook up something amazing together!
