Sedgwick is pleased to partner with Chef Paul Kahan and the Chicago Restaurant Workers Relief Fund as part of efforts to help our clients, colleagues and communities thrive in 2021.
Chicago holds a special place in our hearts this year, as it would’ve served as host city for the RIMS Annual Conference. That’s why Sedgwick reached out to Chef Paul Kahan, the nationally recognizable face of Chicago chefs, to help encourage all of us to stay focused on wellness — even virtually — through healthy eating by bringing his cooking tips to the RIMS LIVE 2021 Wellness Zenter.
Chef Kahan’s restaurants are well-regarded in Chicago. He has received international acclaim for avec, The Publican, Big Star, Dove’s Luncheonette…the list goes on. His cookbooks, “Cheers to the Publican, Repast and Present: Recipes and Ramblings from an American Beer Hall" and “Cooking for Good Times,” have received awards and accolades including a nod as a New York Times Best Seller. Awarded Outstanding Chef by the James Beard Foundation in 2013 and Best Chef of the Midwest in 2004, Kahan has earned the praise of many who claim him to be one of America’s most influential working chefs.
When the opportunity arose to bring Chef Kahan’s expertise to each of us cooking in our homes during the pandemic, we thought it would be a great way to enliven all of our meal prep routines. Watch his videos on healthy eating, stocking a healthy pantry, and cooking for good times and you’ll see what we mean. RIMS LIVE 2021 attendees can find each of these features within the Wellness Zenter and we’re happy to share them with all of you, too.
Sedgwick’s continued sponsorship of the RIMS Wellness Zenter — a conference initiative focused on developing healthy workplaces and workforces — helps us reinforce our commitment to the physical, emotional and financial wellness of workers everywhere. This has never been more important than now, as we all drive to thrive during the ongoing pandemic.
Each year in connection with our Wellness Zenter sponsorship, we look to engage with a charitable organization that supports health and wellness efforts in our host city. And, like other cities all around the country and the world, Chicago has been hit hard by the pandemic. The restaurant industry in particular has felt the impact of strict shutdowns and restrictions due to COVID-19. Inspired by our partnership with Chef Kahan and the vital role his restaurants play in the Chicago economy, we also looked for a way to help Chicago’s restaurant workers who have struggled during the past year, many losing employment or wages.
Our path led us to the Southern Smoke Foundation and its Chicago Restaurant Workers Relief Fund. Through the Relief Fund, Southern Smoke has been able to distribute over $1M in funds to support the financial health and wellness of Chicago restaurant workers in need. We had a chance to connect with Southern Smoke to talk about their initiative – hear firsthand about the power of their efforts in our video conversation.
Additionally, we’ve made a charitable commitment in support of this worthy organization and we hope you will join us. Learn how.
These partnerships we’ve forged — with Chef Kahan and the Chicago Restaurant Workers Relief Fund — both reflect the spirit of what Sedgwick is striving toward during this year’s RIMS events. While we can’t be together in person to talk about issues impacting our industry and the health and safety of our workplaces, people, property, brands and bottom line, we are finding new ways to stay focused on all of those things. New ways to come together, work together and grow together. We truly believe that caring counts — and we’re here to help you thrive in the year ahead.