Photograph by Drew Podo
More than 1,200 people and 50 of Atlanta’s restaurants and bars crowded into the Georgia Railroad Freight Depot on Sunday for Team HIDI 4.0. Featuring circus performers, cocktails, food, and live music, the event raised more than $370,000 dollars for the Giving Kitchen, which was originally founded in 2012 to help chef Ryan Hidinger after he was diagnosed with cancer. Now, the charity offers support to hundreds of local restaurant workers in crisis.
The foundation raised money through donations, ticket sales, and an auction. The bids raised more than $160,000 dollars, and the lots featured everything from private dinners cooked by Atlanta’s best chefs to week-long beach getaways.
$4,000
This lot featured a trip for four to Asheville to experience some of the best beer and food in the Carolinas. The lot included two nights at the Grand Bohemian hotel, a tour of Wicked Weed brewery, a VIP lunch and tour at the east coast location of Sierra Nevada, tickets to the Biltmore Estate, and dinner at the chef’s table of Local Provisions with Justin Burdett.
$5,750
The winner received tickets to some of the hottest culinary events in Atlanta for the next year, including the Atlanta Cheese Festival, Taste of the Nation, the opportunity to announce the winner of Ramen Fest, and more.
$7,500
One of Atlanta’s hottest DJs, Yvonne Monet, will host a party for 40 people on the patio of ONE. Midtown Kitchen, with drinks, wine and food all provided by the restaurant.
$8,000
Golf lovers fiercely battled for this lot, which featured private lessons, brand new Callaway clubs, a Top Golf gift certificate, and the inside track to some of the best courses in Atlanta. The winner also received 36 holes at Sage Valley Golf Club in South Carolina, dinner at the Men’s Grill, and an overnight stay for two.
$8,500
Three restaurants—Canoe, Wrecking Bar, and the Pig and the Pearl—teamed up to offer three parties over the course of a year for 30 people.
$9,000
Twelve to 14 people will join Anne Quatrano for a springtime tour of Summerland Farms and a casual luncheon. Stylist Rachel Baba will also be in attendance, offering tips and advice on crafting flower arrangements.
$11,000
The winner of this lot can invite up to 80 people (80!) for an evening of beer and barbecue at SweetWater brewery. Fox Brothers, Community BBQ, DBA BBQ, Q School, and Sweet Auburn BBQ will all man the grills, with beef provided by White Oak Pastures.
$12,000
The final bidder won a week-long escape to Alys Beach at a four bedroom house within walking distance of nature trails, beaches, and more.
$12,000
The winner not only took home a big green egg, a Calphalon 10-piece cook set, tickets to variety events, cooking classes, and an assortment of signed cookbooks, but they also get to join the AJC’s Food & Dining editor, Ligaya Figueras, at some of her favorite restaurants.
$14,000
One of the most contested lots of the night was an all-inclusive night of beer drinking, hosted by Creature Comforts in Athens. In addition to the night in Athens, the winner also took home a pig roast for 20 people from Wild Heaven Craft Beers, four tickets to the Decatur Beer Festival, and a private beer festival.
$15,000
The winner of this lot took home two different trips. The first was a romantic trip for two to Savannah’s B Historic Hotel, which also included gift certificates to the area’s best restaurants. The second trip: a weekend with 10 friends in a luxury cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where Jay Swift of 4th and Swift will cook a private dinner.
$16,000
Bourbon lovers battled for a lot that included a tour and tasting at American Spirit Whiskey, a 30-person barbecue and bourbon party, tickets to Local Three’s Bourbon dinners, a Four Roses Swag Bag, and a bottle of Pappy 23-Year old.
$18,000
The second largest bid of the night went towards a Waffle House jukebox. The winner also got a private dinner from chef Chris Hall (of Local Three) and a private visit from the Waffle House Food Truck.
$19,000
The highest bid of the night went towards an exclusive “Iron Chef” style competition for 20 friends. William’s Sonoma Chef, Jake Orr, and Hugh Acheson will each lead a team of 10 in a cooking competition. Afterwards, the contestants will enjoy an evening of complimentary food and wine.