Chicago Bartenders Raise $$$ For Hurricane Sandy Victims; Restaurants Also Pitch In With Fundraisers

The duo behind monthly industry night Party Rock Cocktail Crew celebrates its first-year anniversary at Salud with a blow-out bash featuring an all-star cast of cocktailists.

But what's particularly cool is that organizers Daniel de Oliveira (Olmeca Altos) and Sergio Serna (The Drawing Room) are using this grand opportunity to raise money for a great cause.

They've gathered the likes of Charles Joly (The Aviary), Lynn House (Blackbird), Paul McGee (Three Dots and a Dash), Josh Pearson (Sepia) and other members of the U.S. Bartenders Guild of Illinois to serve as guest bartenders to raise money for those suffering from Hurricane Sandy. One hundred percent of tips and donations will go to the U.S. Bartenders Guild of New York, which will make certain the money goes to good use.

The party happens 8pm-2am Monday, Nov. 5 with two different bartenders working each hour. There will also be complimentary food, shots, punch and beer sponsored by Becherovka and Altos Tequila.

Raffle tickets will be sold for a chance to win gift cards for Mercadito, Bangers & Lace, The Gage, GT Fish and Oyster, Farmhouse, 2 Sparrows and The Anthem as well as a St. Germain bike. There will also be a live auction for an in-home, 10-person single malt scotch tasting party (1am-2am). DJ Konsept spins; there's a $20 suggested donation at the door.

Here are additional hurricane relief events happening around town until the end of November:

Carnivale: A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the Carnivale Martini ($10.95) will benefit the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief. The cocktail is made of Espolon reposado tequila, Cointreau, pomegranate juice and fresh lime juice.

Chicago q: The upscale barbecue restaurant will donate five percent of all bourbon sales to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Goddess and Grocer: Customers can donate to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts by adding a tax-free donation to online orders. Goddess will match the donation totals.

ItaliAsia: Five percent of proceeds from dinner sales will benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.