Printer’s Row Brewing will hold a fundraiser on March 23 to support Kathy Vega Hardy, owner of A Taste of the Philippines in Jefferson Park, as she recovers from breast cancer surgery.
The event aims to help Hardy and her business during her recovery period. Hardy was diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of the year and recently underwent a mastectomy. While she is recuperating at home and hopes to return in May, the catering side of her restaurant—which makes up about half its profits—will be paused, though the main restaurant remains open.
The brewery, located near A Taste of the Philippines, will donate 25 percent of all proceeds from the fundraiser, $1 from every pint of Cupid’s Blood Stout sold, and all tips to Hardy’s business. Jon Wolf, co-founder of Printer’s Row Brewing, said organizing such events is part of their commitment to supporting local causes. “Helping out our neighborhood where we can, it’s the least we can do, especially when you have an awesome neighbor like Kathy,” Wolf said.
Hardy shared news of her diagnosis on social media in February and encouraged customers to buy gift cards while she is away. She said community support has been overwhelming: “I can’t physically thank everyone, but I just want them to know how thankful and grateful I am for the support,” Hardy said.
A Taste of the Philippines began as a food truck in Denver 14 years ago before moving operations to Chicago in 2018. The restaurant has become known locally for its purple breakfast sandwich made with ube pandesal bread rolls. Bella Ventresca, executive director of the Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce, said Hardy has “brought a lot of spotlight” to Jefferson Park by celebrating Asian American culture and attracting new visitors.
Other businesses along Lawrence Avenue have also shown support for Hardy during this time. Dobra Bielinski from Delightful Pastries brought baked goods after hearing about Hardy’s diagnosis; Sol Space Yoga offered discounts for those who purchase gift cards from A Taste of the Philippines. Ventresca described Jeff West—the local business corridor—as feeling like a family: “One thing I’ve learned living in Jefferson Park and now working with the business community is that when something bad happens, we all rally around one another,” Ventresca said.
