"Stand Up for Kids" at 2nd Annual Cheesy Noodle Mac N' Cheese Competition

MAX’S DELI INVITES COMMUNITY TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND “STAND UP FOR KIDS”

AT 2ND ANNUAL CHEESY NOODLE MAC N’ CHEESE COMPETITION

On November 25 from 6-8 pm to benefit homeless teens

HIGHLAND PARK, IL (NOVEMBER 25, 2014) – Max’s Restaurant & Deli (191 Skokie Valley Rd, Highland Park) is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Cheesy Noodles Mac N’ Cheese competition on Tuesday evening, November 25th from 6-8pm, benefitting Stand Up for Kids Chicago, a non-profit organization dedicated to end youth homelessness through national and local outreach. This event is open to the public with a suggested donation of $50 per family of up to four. Attendees are also encouraged to bring new or gently used winter coats for a collection for Chicago homeless teens.

Serving up one of America’s favorite comfort foods to help shine the spotlight on youth homelessness in Chicago, this fundraiser sheds light on Homeless Youth Awareness Month, which is November. Over 300 people attended last year’s event, which raised over $3000 for Stand Up for Kids Chicago. An even bigger turnout is expected this year as it’s the perfect family friendly event to kick off the holiday season by doing good!

“In 2013, the generous crowd came together for a great cause, while sampling some of the best mac n’ cheese dishes around,” says Joey Morelli, owner of Max’s Deli and Stand Up for Kids board member. “We love when the community comes together to raise awareness and funds for a great cause, and we can’t think of a better one than Stand Up for Kids!”

The Mac N’ Cheese competition will kick off at 6pm, as esteemed chefs come together from all over Chicagoland to showcase their very own specialty macaroni and cheese dishes, which will be tasted and judged by attendees and special guest judges: Beth Engleman of the popular Sun Times Media Group “Mommy on a Shoestring” column, as well as regular radio Disney, WCIU “You and Me this Morning” and WGN’s Midday News correspondent, Scott Fischer, Personal Chef, “Dancing with the Stars” Culinary Expert and Founder of Fisch & Chips Cookies and Granola, and Jamie Bradley, Editor, HP Landmark. Restaurants confirmed so far include food truck Captain Jacks BBQ, Tap House Grill Highwood, Valley Lodge Tavern of Wilmette, and more, all hoping to beat out defending champion, Chicago’s Smoke Daddy, who won both People’s Choice and Judges Choice last year!

Guests will enjoy music by Bizar Entertainment, raffle prizes boasting Blackhawk tickets, restaurant and retail gift certificates, beer and wine tastings, as well as Max’s Deli “Make Your Own S’mores” bar for the kids to create their own fun deserts. Winners of the People’s Choice and Judges Choice awards will be announced at 7:45pm.

Over the course of a year, approximately 26,000 youth in Illinois, and 15,000 youth in Chicago experience homelessness. With the approaching colder weather, Stand Up for Kids is working tirelessly to promote the local outreach center as a safe haven for kids. Volunteers are already hitting the streets hard to distribute hot meals and to provide socks, hats, mittens, coats, and more so that these homeless children can survive the winter season. Every dollar earned through the Mac N’ Cheese Competition will go toward support and supplies for homeless youth.

“There are so many forgotten children on the street that are more than homeless; they have often lost their family connections for various reasons,” says Brian Russell, Executive Director, Stand Up For Kids Chicago Chapter. “When the community comes together through events like this, they help us fund programs for the kids to help break the homeless cycle. We welcome the chance to raise money, but also to raise awareness of this homeless problem in our backyard.” Russell welcomes inquiries from youth groups and volunteers to distribute food and clothing while walking the streets with Stand Up For Kids volunteers.

For more information regarding the event, please call 847.831.0600 or 847.432.6000.

ABOUT STANDUP FOR KIDS

Stand Up For Kids is a non-profit volunteer organization whose mission is to provide crisis intervention and basic survival necessities for at-risk and homeless youth through national and local outreach. Violence and abuse are unfortunately increasingly common within families and communities, and there are now 1.3 million homeless and street kids. Stand Up For Kids offers an abundance of services, complete anonymity, and ensures that youth do not have to feel alone in dealing with their problems. The mission is to end the cycle of youth homelessness throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.standupforkidschicago.org email brian@standupforkids.org or call 847-251-1622.

ABOUT MAX’S DELICATESSEN AND RESTAURANT

With a rich history having been in business over 25 years, Max’s Deli serves up a fine pastrami sandwich that was voted “Best in Town” by Chicago Magazine. Run by Greg and Joey Morelli, brothers that refer to themselves fondly as “the Food Fight Brothers, Max’s also offers deli favorites, homemade soups, breakfast all day, and full-service catering. Often referred to as Chicago’s New York Deli, Max’s has recently added Wi-Fi, Intelligencia Coffee and created healthier options from standard deli fare. Now, they even have some options for the family dog. For more information please visit their website at www.maxs-deli.com or call 847.831.0600.