Sponsored by Concord Hospitality

Cocktails at 6:30pm

Flights Restaurant and Lounge |Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel | 4100 Main at North Hills Street

Join Executive Chef Dean Thompson and The Green Chair Project to raise funds to provide beds for 50 children in need this fall. Enjoy a six-course meal with wine pairings and have the opportunity to watch the award-winning chef in action as your table is escorted to the kitchen to see what happens behind the scenes at one of Raleigh’s favorite restaurants.

All proceeds go to the Sweeter Dreams Bed Program.

$250 provides a bed for a child

About Executive Chef Dean Thompson

A North Carolina native, Dean grew up in Cary, NC.  After Graduating from Cardinal Gibbons High School, he attended Johnson & Wales University Providence, RI, graduating in 2002. While pursuing his degree, Dean worked at Mediterraneo Caffe’ located in the historic Federal Hill under Chef Gianfranco Campanella. Dean later worked for Chef Jules Ramos at Mills Tavern.  At the time, Mills Tavern was rated as one of the top 75 Hottest Tables, from Boston to Beijing, by the Conde Nast Traveler and Boston Globe.  In 2003, he made his way back to North Carolina where he worked at Hope Valley Country Club for several years where he earned the title of Sous Chef in 2005. In 2008, he helped open Raleigh Renaissance as the Executive Sous Chef.  He was instrumental in the success and sustainability of the Hotel as well as Flights Restaurant.  He brings over 15 years of kitchen experience with knowledge of American and Italian cuisine. Dean most recently won the prestigious Fire in the Triangle regional dining competition in both 2013 and 2014, setting a record. His pursuit of perfection and passion for great food is evident in each of his culinary creations.

About Sweeter Dreams

The Green Chair Project’s Sweeter Dreams Program is a bed assistance program that provides children with a bed to sleep in who otherwise might be sharing bed space or sleeping on the floor.  The Green Chair partners with the Wake County Public School System to provide twin frames, box springs, mattresses, sheets and blankets to children referred by elementary school social workers. Conservative estimates from a recent survey of social workers involved in the Sweeter Dreams program show that there are still over 4,600 children in need of a bed of their own in Wake County. Research has also shown that children who are able to sleep better and longer though the night are more likely to succeed in school, have fewer emotional and behavioral disturbances, and have fewer health complications. The Green Chair Project believes that all children deserve a comfortable place to rest their head so that they can wake up well rested and ready to learn, play and grow.