Manley Hosts Caravan Bus for MorningStar Mission’s Culinary Fundraiser

JOLIET, Ill. – At the recent MorningStar Mission Annual Joliet Culinary Caravan, State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, hosted a bus, along with friend and radio talk show co-host, Mary Lancaster. 

The Culinary Caravan was a dining adventure that began and ended at the Curator’s Cafe, 2625 Ingalls Ave., Joliet. First, the guests onboard the Manley/Lancaster bus went to the first of three locations, starting at Magpie’s Joy of Eating, 753 Ruby Street, Joliet. Magpie’s served a choice of asparagus-stuffed chicken breast, or jambalaya. 

The second stop was at long-time popular Joliet restaurant, La Mex Fine Mexican Cuisine, 3157 W. Jefferson St., which offered a choice of taco or enchilada platter with rice and beans. The third stop was at another popular dining spot, Joliet Metro Grill & Bar, 2019 Essington Rd. Guests built their own mini gyros. 

Afterwards, the buses returned to Curator’s Cafe where guests selected from an expansive buffet of desserts, and won raffle baskets.

“Every year I look forward to the MorningStar Mission Culinary Caravan because not only is it a creative way to support the work of the mission, but also it’s a fun night filled with delicious food and good company,” Rep. Manley said. “Everyone on bus #1 was completely stuffed, not only with great food, but also feeling that our time supporting this organization was well spent.”

Organizers said  MorningStar Mission serves an average of 1610 meals every week currently. Founded in 1909, the mission currently offers daily hot meals, as well as a Friday food pantry. It provides emergency shelter, women and children’s center and transitional housing. MorningStar also offers a men’s recovery program and a new, Day Drop-In Center.

“MorningStar Mission has provided critical services to homeless adults and children in Joliet and surrounding areas for over 100 years,” Rep. Manley said. “Sadly, our nation is facing rising food costs, putting more demand on food and shelter providers, like MorningStar, making fundraisers like these culinary caravans even more important than ever. A big thank you to the local restaurants that partnered with MorningStar Mission to make the evening a great-tasing success.”

The Treasure Chest thrift stores, located in 2571 E. Lincoln Hwy., New Lenox, and 2221 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, both accept donated items for resale to fund MorningStar’s food and shelter programs.

Rep. Manley and Lancaster made the bus ride fun by raffling off gift cards during each trip. 

“The people who joined the event made the night so much fun,” Rep. Manley said. 

The next MorningStar Mission Culinary Caravan will be held October 16 in New Lenox, featuring Tom Kelly’s Chophouse, Hog Wild and Gatto’s Italian Restaurant. Tickets are $75. For more information, visit morningstarmission.org, or email p.munday@morningstarmission.org.