A benefit dinner and concert set for November 12 at Swank Specialty Produce in Loxahatchee will bring together a group of South Florida chefs, restaurateurs and vendors to support chef Jimmy Everett and his family. The event follows the sudden death of Everett's wife, Ilia Gonzalez, and the closure of their Boynton Beach restaurant, Driftwood, which served its final patrons on Sunday, November 1.
A Gathering Born Out of Loss
According to pistachioli.com, the dinner follows the sudden, heartbreaking loss of Jimmy Everett's wife, and organizers say it is intended to honor Everett and his family. The event is scheduled to run from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Swank Specialty Produce, located at 14311 N Rd in Loxahatchee, with tickets priced at $125 and up available through pistachioli.com. Florida Weekly reports that culinary professionals throughout the region have volunteered their talents, time and resources for the evening, which will include chef-prepared grilled meats, seafood, pasta, salads, a whole hog from Swank, and desserts.
The menu will be rounded out by specialty mocktails, and the evening will feature live music from Andy Thomas, per the same account. Flavor South Florida separately describes the evening as featuring a multi-course dinner prepared by a group of local chefs partnering with local restaurants, seafood and meat vendors, and farms.
Where the Proceeds Are Going
The two accounts of the event differ slightly on who will benefit from the dinner. Pistachioli.com states that 100 percent of all proceeds will go directly to the Everett family, a detail echoed by Florida Weekly, which reports that funds raised will go directly to Jimmy Everett and his son, Maxon. Flavor South Florida, however, reports that proceeds from the night will benefit Gonzalez's surviving family, including Everett, as well as Driftwood staff.
Everett is the owner of Driftwood, which he and Gonzalez opened together in 2017, according to Boca Raton Magazine. Gonzalez, who died unexpectedly, was Everett's wife and co-founder of the restaurant. The benefit dinner was already planned by October 28, before Driftwood served its final service on November 1.
Driftwood's Final Days
Everett told the Palm Beach Post that losing Ilia changed everything and that the financial reality he was facing meant he could not keep the restaurant running. The restaurant served its last meals to the public 11 days before the November 12 benefit, closing out a nearly decade-long run in the Boynton Beach community.
Driftwood had a history of opening its doors for community good beyond the dining room. The restaurant previously closed to the public to host a free dinner and drinks for South Florida residents displaced by Hurricane Dorian, an event that drew about 130 people, according to The Coastal Star. That spirit of hospitality is part of what is now drawing chefs from across the region to return the favor for Everett and his son.
Who's Cooking for the Cause
The roster of participating culinary professionals includes Michael Hackman of Aioli, Robert Bellini of Pistachioli, Bryce Dangerfield of Curds & Corks, Jon Sarmiento, Tori Rivera, Ernie DeBlasi, Daniel Diaz, James Strine, Tommy Pozzuto, Glenn Rogers of Elev8ted Chefs, Matt Reilly of Tempesta Artisans Salumi, and James Cruz of Second Rodeo. The lineup brings together local culinary professionals for the November 12 evening.
Tickets for the community dinner can be purchased via an online link ahead of the event at Swank Specialty Produce.
