Luciano’s of Chicago will again join with some of the best local restaurants at Hands for Hunger’s 7th annual Paradise Plates fundraising event on Saturday, October 3 starting at 7 p.m., at the Grand Ballroom, Atlantis. For a worthy cause, guests get to join Hands for Hunger in their commitment to fighting hunger in the Bahamas, in turn enjoying an amazing dining atmosphere with a wide variety of savory hors d’oeuvres, cuisines, delectable desserts and specialty cocktails to choose from. In addition, the evening will include other exciting highlights such as a silent auction, live entertainment, raffles and much more, all contributing to the fight against hunger.

As is the Paradise Plates custom, chefs from participating restaurants put together an amazing menu for the evening. This year, Luciano’s of Chicago will be preparing Cajun Pastalaya, which is a fusion of Cajun Jambalaya and Italian Pasta. The dish includes Orzo tossed with Chicken, Andouille Sausage, Mussels, Clams, Cajun Seasoning and Herbs. The restaurant will also offer Biscotti, the traditional Italian biscuit served with Coffee for the perfect finish.

Attracting notable attendees in philanthropy, food, media and the local community, Paradise Plates is the event of the year many look forward to, including culinary partner, Luciano’s of Chicago.

"Philanthropy becomes a basic part of doing good business and it's very exciting and rewarding to work along with an organization like Hands for Hunger that creates true positive change and to participate in a night that is completely focused on ending hunger in the Bahamas with other restaurant partners is amazing,” said Sue Lawrence, Director of Special Events at Luciano’s of Chicago. “We look forward to another successful year at Paradise Plates and we’re proud to return as a culinary partner.”

Meanwhile, the Bahamian franchise of the world's leading baked goods and coffee chain, Dunkin’ Donuts is also gearing up to take guests through a delectable culinary experience all in the fight against hunger at Hands for Hunger’s main charitable fundraiser.

The seventh annual Paradise Plates event joins some of the biggest names in the local restaurant industry including Dunkin’ Donuts Bahamas to support Hands for Hunger’s mission of being committed to the elimination of unnecessary hunger in The Bahamas through its night of culinary compassion. Hundreds of guests anticipate the charitable event as they get to indulge in various dishes from enticing entrees, desserts and exquisite cocktails, in addition to live music, entertainment and much more, all for a great cause.

“The idea behind Paradise Plates is to bring local restaurants and culinary partners who have a shared concern for fighting hunger and food insecurity in the Bahamas and we at Dunkin’ Donuts are proud to be a part of making a difference and supporting Hands for Hunger in their task to bring awareness and help alleviate this major issue in our community,” said Vanessa Eneas, Director of Operations at Dunkin’ Donuts Bahamas.

This year, Dunkin’ Donuts plans to take a delicious new take on a bakery classic, its Munchkins Donut Holes by offering the best of both worlds offering guests a sweet and savory treat. The brand will offer event guests their Glazed Bacon Munchkin Bites – donut hole treats coated with a sweet glaze covered in generous pieces of crisp bacon, paired with the brand’s rich, smooth Original Blend Hot Coffee.

With Dunkin’ Donuts already in the business of feeding customers and has an innate interest in ending hunger, it’s apt that the brand helps in the fight against hunger as it serves as one of Hands for Hunger’s local foodservice partners bringing food to those without consistent access to nutritious meals and also serves an active partner in the organization’s community outreach fundraising initiatives.

“At Dunkin’ Donuts, we look forward to fighting hunger in more ways than one with Hands for Hunger, as we’re excited to continue to partner with them and support their mission through this year’s Paradise Plates event, in addition to a number of their anti-hunger efforts,” Eneas concluded.

Tickets for Paradise Plates can be purchased at Bahamas Vision Centre located in the Harbour Bay Shopping Centre, Hands for Hunger’s Headquarters – New Providence Community Centre on Blake Road, or via Hands for Hunger’s website www.handsforhunger.org.

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