Breast cancer makes impact on Francesca's in Naperville

Breast cancer is something near and dear to Danielle LaVeau's heart, having had an aunt who was fighting the cancer.

The event planner for Francesca's Restaurants developed a plan to begin a wine dinner benefiting Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure, while still commemorating the memory of her aunt.

The Third Annual Breast Cancer Wine Dinner will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, at Francesca's Passaggio, 3124 S. State Route 59, Naperville.

“In 2008, a guest came into Francesca’s asking for a $2,000 donation for breast cancer research. At the time, my aunt, Christine Festa, was battling breast cancer herself so we decided to come together to host an event where Francesca’s donated a percentage of proceeds towards the cause. With the generosity of the Francesca’s family and our community we surpassed our goal of $2,000 and raised over $4,000,” she explains.

The dinner will include live music, a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. Wisconsin Precious Metals will also be on hand to buy guests’ gold and will then be donating 20 percent of proceeds to the cause.
 
Guests will have the opportunity to experience a five course dinner paired with California’s Opolo Wines provided by Peterson’s Wine Cellars. (See full menu below.)
 
The event is $65 per person (excluding tax and gratuity), and 20 percent of net sales will be donated toward Susan G. Komen's Chicagoland affiliate, in honor of Christine Festa & in support of Team Christine. Representatives from Susan G. Komen will also be in attendance for the dinner.

For more information, contact Danielle at (630) 946-0600 or Danielle@miafrancesca.com.

Five-course dinner menu:
 
Gamberi al Fresco Sautéed shrimp with wild mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, lemon, balsamico & basil
 
Insalata Lamponi Boston bib lettuce tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette with granny smith apples, crumbled blue cheese, roasted pistachios
 
Orecchiette con Asparagi e Noci Disc shaped pasta sautéed in an olive oil with asparagus and almonds
 
Filetto ai Taleggio e Spinaci Pan roasted filet topped with taleggio cheese over sautéed spinach with a creamy veal reduction
 
Crema Alla Vaniglia Vanilla crème Brule with seasonal fruit drizzled with a crème anglaise