Since 1983 the Chicago Chapter has raised over $450,000 for scholarships, grants, educational facilities and food banks. Major recipients are:

• Direct Scholarships to Washburne’s School of Culinary Arts, CHIC, Kendall College, and other accredited culinary schools.
• Lucy Flower Career Academy’s Flower Pot Cafe and the Flower Cart at the Garfield Park – Conservatory
• C-Cap Donations
• Escoffier Museum
• The Greater Chicago Food Depository
• Chicago Green City Market
• Green Table Initiatives in Various Chicago Public Schools

The Chicago Chapter has hosted two Les Dames d’Escoffier International Conferences—1993, 2004

The Chicago Chapter has organized outstanding events showcasing the multiple talents of members:

• Noteworthy bi-annual (annual) auctions beginning with the presidency of the founder Elaine Sherman
• A world-class event honoring the 150th anniversary celebration of the birth of Auguste Escoffier at the Ritz-Carlton on October 28, 1996.
• A Spring Market and Street Fair was held June 3, 2001, to raise consciousness about sustainable agriculture and showcase Les Dames chefs and restaurateurs.
• Beginning in 2000, annual Les Dames Chefs “BBQ” fundraiser for Chicago’s Green City Market.
• The celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Chicago Chapter by publishing Chicago Cooks, a cookbook that featured recipes from the various chapter members. The launching party for Chicago Cooks at the Illuminating Company on November 11, 2007, showcased the cookbook and all of the committed members who made the anniversary memorable.

Every year the Chicago Chapter has sponsored several programs for the benefit of its members and the public that include, tastings, demonstrations, panel discussions, and various culinary activities that provide educational benefits.

Panache, the newsletter of the Chicago Chapter, is published quarterly, and the newsletter as well as information about forth-coming events is posted on the Chapter’s website.