Cooking With Purpose.

Fundraising for Kids Through Culinary Experiences

Cooking for Kids is a nonprofit organization that turns the power of food, community, and generosity into real change. Through premier culinary experiences and fundraising events, we support Children’s Wisconsin, ensuring that every child has access to the world-class care they deserve.

Every Meal Matters. Every Event Counts.

Over $20,000 donated to Children’s Wisconsin in 2025

Thank You to our supporters !

About us

Cooking with Purpose

At Cooking for Kids, we bring food lovers, top chefs, and community leaders together to raise funds and awareness for Children’s Wisconsin.

Our Mission:

1. Use food as a platform to bring people together and inspire generosity.

2. Organize premier chef-driven events to support children’s healthcare.

3. Make an impact by ensuring funds go directly to Children’s Wisconsin.


Founded by Chef Adam Pawlak and Saravanan Shanmugabaskaran we bring together a community of passionate individuals who believe in cooking with purpose.

2026 Events

08 Apr
WED

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

2026 Kickoff Event @ La Dama

Cooking For Kids launches the 2026 season with an chef collab between Chef Adam Pawlak & Chef Emmanuel Corona of La Dama.

839 S 2nd Street Milwaukee, WI

Call to make reservations: 414-645-2606

21 May
THU

5:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Christian Yelich Home Plate Charity Concert

Cooking For Kids is proud to be a beneficiary of the Christian Yelich Home Plate Charity Concert. We will have a presence at the event, and ticket purchases help support the cause.

Landmark Credit Union Live – Milwaukee, WI

14 Jun
SUN

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Holey Mackerel Mini Golf Family Day

Join us for a fun summer mini-golf event bringing the community together for friendly competition and fundraising.

5401 W Layton Ave, Greenfield, WI

20 Aug
THU

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Georgie Porgie’s Custard for Kids

A family-friendly summer fundraiser where a portion of proceeds from Georgie Porgie’s famous burgers and custard supports Children’s Wisconsin.

9555 S Howell Ave Suite 450, Oak Creek, WI

19 Sep
SAT

11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Freshwater Food & Wine Festival

Cooking For Kids is proud to be a beneficiary of the Freshwater Food & Wine Festival, Milwaukee’s premier lakefront celebration of culinary artistry, world-class wines, and craft beverages.

The festival brings together celebrity chefs, top restaurants, tasting experiences, and live chef challenges along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Cooking For Kids will have a presence throughout the weekend, and ticket purchases help support the cause.

Henry Maier Festival Park — Milwaukee

MKE Chef Collaboration Dinner

Our signature event featuring top chefs crafting unforgettable meals. Over $100,000 raised since 2017.

Location TBD

7th Annual MKE Chef Collaboration Dinner Highlight Video

Be The First To Know About Our Events!

Newsletter Form (#5)


Ways to Make an Impact

Donate – Every contribution directly helps Children’s Wisconsin provide exceptional medical care.
Attend an Event – Enjoy exclusive, chef-driven dining experiences while supporting a great cause.
Corporate Sponsorships – Businesses can make a lasting impact through sponsorship opportunities.
Volunteer & Engage – Be part of something bigger by contributing your time and skills.

Meet Our Founders

Chef Adam
Pawlak

Chef Adam Pawlak is a Milwaukee-based chef and restaurateur known for his bold flavors, creative dishes, and relentless drive. As a proud supporter of Cooking for Kids Wisconsin, he brings his culinary talent and passion for giving back to every event. With several successful restaurants and TV appearances to his name, Adam is committed to making a difference through food. When he’s in the kitchen, it’s all about excellence and impact.

Saravanan Sud Shanmugabaskaran

Sud is the co-founder of Cooking for Kids Wisconsin and a passionate connector of people, ideas, and community impact. By day, he is a technology and marketing executive with over 15 years of experience helping businesses grow & scale ; by night, he’s rallying chefs and partners to support kids’ health. Known for his energy, big ideas, and a love for good food, Sud brings heart and hustle to every event. His favorite title? Dad.

Every Plate Has a Purpose

Each time you support Cooking for Kids, you help a child receive the care, love, and medical attention they need.

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