KC’s culinary elite unite in ‘feast for a cause’ to support Della Lamb

Wandering Vine at The Castle // Photo courtesy of Wandering Vine

The noise of everything going on these days can feel like a recipe for hopelessness. But for Wandering Vine Executive Chef Bryan Sparks, food has always been a way to fight back. When he learned that Della Lamb, a local organization supporting refugees and immigrants, had lost critical funding, he saw an opportunity to turn frustration into action. “We cook our way through the problem,” he says.

That’s exactly what he’s doing by rallying Kansas City’s culinary community to host a benefit dinner that will directly support Della Lamb’s mission. The one-night-only collaboration will include several of KC’s finest chefs, including Pam Liberda (Waldo Thai) and Mitchell Fetterling (Exit Strategy).

Wandering Vine Bar Manager Evan Spieker will be pouring a curated selection of wines, along with a signature cocktail created for the event. Other icons of the KC beverage scene will volunteer their talents, including Brock Schulte (The W), Bryan Arri (Fern Bar), and Andrew Niemeyer (Extra Virgin), each crafting a unique cocktail for the evening.

The benefit dinner will take place on Tuesday, March 11, hosted by Wandering Vine at The Castle in Shawnee. Tickets are $100 per person, with all proceeds going directly to Della Lamb.

Sarah Kolsto, Refugee Services Director at Della Lamb, explains that while the organization was bracing for funding changes under the new Trump administration, they were not preparing for anything as drastic as this. “We were not anticipating having funding completely cut off. We thought those we welcomed would continue to be provided for,” Kolsto says. Now, Della Lamb is relying heavily on private donations to cover essential services.

The impact of these cuts has already been felt in the organization’s day-to-day operations. “It has been really chaotic as we continue to move forward and operate business as usual; we feel it’s our ethical obligation,” Kolsto explains. The funds raised from the benefit dinner will play a vital role in helping Della Lamb continue its work, providing services to the refugee and immigrant populations in Kansas City.

Chef Sparks acknowledges the influence of these immigrant cultures in his own culinary career. “It is impossible for me to not realize that the flavors, the spices, the techniques, and the history of everything that I do came from somewhere else,” he says.

The six-course meal will highlight dishes that celebrate the cultures that make up Kansas City. Each chef has crafted a dish that either reflects their own heritage or explores the culinary traditions they are discovering. “We’re committed to honoring these recipes and gaining a deeper understanding so we can offer a representation that is truly respectful of the culture,” Sparks says. The evening promises not only a feast for the senses but a chance to learn more about the cultures that help shape the fabric of Kansas City.

While monetary support is crucial, Kolsto emphasizes that Della Lamb is always open to other contributions from the community. “We are looking for people to use what they have, even if it just is their voice or time,” she says. The organization is always in need of volunteers, particularly for their English Language Learner (ELL) program and transportation assistance. “The benefit dinner is going to give us a space to speak to people we usually would not have been able to engage with. I am thankful for his willingness to do that,” Kolsto adds.

Sparks sees this event as an opportunity to give back to the immigrant and refugee communities who have helped shape the culinary world. “This industry was literally built off the backs of immigrants and refugees. It is absolutely a duty and an honor to support them as they have supported me throughout my entire career,” he says.

Kolsto echoes the significance of immigrant contributions, noting, “Nearly twenty percent of the workforce nationwide are immigrant workers.” Della Lamb’s mission focuses on helping refugees and immigrants integrate into society, with an emphasis on achieving economic self-sufficiency through employment opportunities.

For Sparks, this event is just the beginning. “We enjoy doing stuff like this. For us, it’s about the direct impact that we can make,” he says.

With tickets selling quickly, the event is already on track to be a success, but Sparks views it as part of a larger, ongoing commitment to his community. “This partnership with Della Lamb is going to grow beyond this one event,” he assures.

“Community is everything. It’s how we get through the hard times, it’s how we survive, it’s how we grow, become better people,” he says. Sparks is no stranger to recognizing his privilege within the community. “The only reason I am where I am today is because I was lucky enough to be born where I am. A lot of people weren’t, but they work their asses off to get here.”