Signs of Life at the Chef’s Auction

Frann Carnivele-Sidlow has two ages.

“I’m 47, or one-and-a-half, depending on how you look at it,” she said.

Carnivele-Sidlow was 30-years-old when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time she was “on top of the world.” She had just met who would become her husband, and was busy directing theater and singing. After treatments, she went into remission, started a family and got on with life.

But about a year-and-a-half ago, the cancer returned. This time a mastectomy was performed, but before she was clear a tumor on her thyroid had to be taken out as well.

“Cancer has no prejudices,” Carnivele-Sidlow said. “It doesn’t care what color you are, what sex you are, how old you are. It doesn’t make a difference. We have to find a cure. We have to stop it, so it doesn’t continue to take our friends and families.”

As Carnivele-Sidlow told her story to a full room at the Orland Chateau during Orland Park’s 11^th Annual Chef’s Auction on Feb. 17, those attended went silent, and many pairs of eyes welled up.

Before she spoke, people were feasting on lobster, prime rib and jambalaya, stacking small plates before heading back out to the serving lines or the bar, stopping to commiserate and laugh with the crowd. For the last 11 years, Orland Park has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer treatment with the Chef’s Auction. Area restaurants serve a gourmet feast and auction off special dining packages to those attended with all the proceeds going to breast cancer research.

As Carnivele-Sidlow, who was the keynote speaker, described facing the illness and the sacrifices a cancer patient must make, all in attendance were reminded why they came. Listeners wiped tears away and looked at the ground or ceiling as she spoke, seemingly remembering a loved one who faced cancer.

“It is so important for people to know that they are not alone. There are so many different venues and places, and people that they can go to and see,” she said. “The American Cancer Society was wonderful for me. I have an unbelievable support system in my family. My friends are wonderful people as well. The ACS was there when my family and I didn’t know where to turn and who to turn to.”

Chris Hensley, regional vice president of the American Cancer Society, said that over the years the Chef’s Auction has raised around $200,000 for research.

“The turnout from the community and restaurants to donate for this cause is phenomenal,” Orland Park Village Board Trustee Kathy Fenton said at the event. “Usually every package ends up larger because they up the ante.”

The mood soon brightened as the auction began. Mayor Dan McLaughlin took the floor rattling off deals with the bidders, and prodding the restaurateurs to alter their packages. A few of the packages included original artwork based on the restaurants that were finished right as the bidding began.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery originally started off with a wine-club dinner for 10 to be held on a night between Sunday and Thursday. When the deal was done, a $2,200 donation was made in return for a dinner for 16 on a Friday night, with wine pairings and a bottle for each attendee to take home.

Altogether, $10,750 was raised from the live auction and over $2,000 was raised from a raffle also held.

For Joliet resident Pam Harvey, the night meant “everything.” At 59, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2010, went through four months of chemotherapy and is in her last set of radiation treatments. Her smile beamed as she gave advice for people who find themselves facing the disease.

“I’ve developed friendships I never would’ve had if I hadn’t had breast cancer,” Harvey said. “There are some good things to it. You realize that your hair isn’t who you are. The things you complain about every day, does it make a difference? Life is too short to be miserable.

“Hang in there, and stick with your friends and family,” Harvey said. “They’ll help you get through anything. “

Participating restaurants and businesses:

• Taj Mahal Restaurant
• Red Lobster
• Great Harvest Bread Co.
• Flavor Restaurant
• Mimi’s Café
• Jenny’s Steakhouse and Pub
• Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery
• Francesca’s Vicinato
• Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant
• Fox’s
• P.F. Chang’s
• Oberweis Dairy

Correction: In the video caption, Frank Stec's position with the village was incorrect. Stec is Orland Park's Director of Parks and Building Maintenance. Patch regrets the error.