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Chef Curtis Duffy

HYBRID EVENT - Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef — Cooking Up Resilience

Noon CST 7pm CST

12:00 pm CST 7:00 pm CST

When

Wed, Mar 11, 2026 @ Noon and 7pm CST

Where

HYBRID EVENT - On Zoom and in person at the Technology Center of DuPage in Addison, IL at noon and on Zoom at 7 p.m.

Program Takeaways:

Adversity can shape—not define—your future
Difficult experiences can become the foundation for growth, resilience, and purpose.

Passion + discipline beats talent alone
Success comes from doing the work consistently—even when you don’t feel like it.

Mentorship can change the trajectory of a life
One teacher or adult who says “yes” and believes in a student can unlock potential.

Resilience is built through action, not motivation
Duffy’s mindset: “I do it anyways.” Showing up daily builds confidence and character.

Success evolves—from personal achievement to lifting others
True success becomes about helping others grow, creating opportunities, and building a legacy.

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A home economics class, an angry middle-school student, and a project making pizza… thanks to a compassionate teacher who recognized and nurtured Duffy’s talent, these elements came together to ignite a passion for the culinary arts that turned around the life of a troubled young man.

Famed chef Curtis Duffy will come to GPS to recount his improbable path from a childhood marked by trauma, loss, and sacrifice to a transformation into one of the most celebrated chefs in the world. All will be inspired by Duffy’s honesty, grit and unending drive for excellence. Join us for a fascinating story of survival, determination, and triumph.

Duffy, a renowned American chef and restaurateur celebrated for his artistry, operates the esteemed “Ever” restaurant in Chicago which has garnered international acclaim and earned two Michelin stars. He was recently named as one of the top 50 most influential figures in fine dining by the Robb Report. His captivating story was chronicled in the acclaimed documentary “For Grace” which described his rise from adversity to culinary greatness at his former restaurant Grace which earned three Michelin stars several years running.

Please share information about this event with friends and relatives. All are welcome to our free weekly GPS events, and no registration is required.