Local Bakeries Give Charity and Delicious Macarons
The first day of spring, March 20 , sees the return of Macaron Day Chicago. Like last year, area bakeries and pastry shops around the city unite for a charitable cause. They will sample their delicious macarons, delectable French sandwich cookies composed of almond meringue cookies joined by a buttercream, ganache, jam or other filling, in exchange for a donation to charity. Following in footsteps of Paris and New York, Macaron Day in Chicago will be celebrated together in three bakeries and pastry shops: Alliance Patisserie, La Fournette and Toni Patisserie.
The patrons of these businesses will receive one free macaron in exchange for making a donation to Esperanza Community Services, a nonprofit organization in Chicago that offers services to children and adults with developmental disabilities.
All the participants are thrilled to support this important cause together, and believe that Chicagoans, many whose passion for fine cuisine and sweets rivals their New York and Parisian counterparts, will appreciate the good excuse to sample a fine pastry.
Macaron Day began in Paris at the renowned pastry shop of Pierre Hermé (la maison Pierre Hermé Paris) in 2005 and several years later found its way to François Payard’s shops in New York. Each city merged the celebration of fine pastry with community giving by promoting the unique delicacy while donating to a community organization. The participants of Macaron Day Chicago are pleased to partner with and support Esperanza Community Services.
Located in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago, Esperanza Community Services is a nonprofit organization that supports children and adults with developmental disabilities, including autism and behavior needs, to be independent. This mission is carried out through their programs offered on campus and throughout the community, including a school for students ages 5-21, an adult day program, a residential program and more. Esperanza is a supportive, inclusive place where students are learning academics and growing social skills, and adults are developing practical life skills that will help them become as independent as possible. And at Esperanza, we see achievements every day.
Esperanza has provided support and resources to individuals and families for more than 45 years. To learn more about their programs or upcoming events, please visit EsperanzaCommunity.org or call 312.243.6097 x 131.