In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma—which recently caused catastrophic flooding in Southeast Texas and the Florida Keys, respectively—the local food community has been doing its part to pitch in with various fundraisers and donation drives.

“We wanted to do whatever we could on whatever scale big or small,” says Jesse Sandlin, executive chef at The Outpost American Tavern in Federal Hill, which hosted a disaster relief brunch last weekend. “After Harvey, and with Irma coming through, it really hit me that this could be a major national disaster—potentially even bigger than Katrina because of the two hurricanes happening back to back.”

Sandlin is one of many local chefs who will be coming together at Fork & Wrench in Canton to participate in a monthly dinner series supporting the cause. At each event, new Fork & Wrench chef Corey Laub will battle it out with two other area chefs and a portion of all ticket sales will go to hurricane victims.

Columbia-born Laub—who only recently returned to the local dining scene after spending nearly a decade working in other cities like Chicago and Washington, D.C.—says that he, like Sandlin, had a willingness to help others in need.

“In this industry, we have a want to help people and make them happy however we can,” he says. “It all goes along with our hospitality drive.”

The inaugural competition on September 27 will pit Laub, Sandlin, and Chef Brian Lavin of Gnocco against each other. Each installment of the series will feature four courses (one from each of the chefs, followed by dessert), and diners will vote for their favorite dish after the final course. Proceeds will benefit the Austin Disaster Relief Network for the first dinner, and future installments will support victims in Florida.

Another unique element of the series is that each dinner will focus on a different local protein, with the first highlighting pork from Catoctin Mountain Farms in Frederick County. Although he is still perfecting his dish, Laub is eager to make use of the local hogs, as well as feature fall produce like squash and apples from area farms.

The monthly events continue with a battle showcasing beef on Wednesday, October 25, in which chef Corey will be up against chef Jason Ambrose of Salt Tavern in Upper Fells Point, and chef Andrew Weinzirl of The Brewer’s Art in Mt. Vernon. Rounding out the series will be a Thanksgiving-themed turkey competition between Laub, chef Jay Rohlfing of Cunningham’s in Towson, and chef David Thomas of Ida B’s Table—which officially opens downtown next week.

A former Top Chef contestant, Sandlin is certainly no stranger to the realm of chef competitions. But she says that, in this instance, she is most excited to be cooking amongst her peers.

“Even though it is a competition, we’re all friends,” she says. “We all want to encourage each other. We all have a lot of mutual admiration and respect for each other. When you don’t get to collaborate with other chefs on a day-to-day basis, it makes it fun.” 

As the Caribbean and Florida brace for the impact of Hurricane Irma, residents in Houston are still dealing with the dire consequences of Harvey, which touched down nearly two weeks ago. While households, schools, and animal shelters are all in need of supplies, the owners of Houstonia magazine (our Texan counterpart) have been devising ways to help.

“I’ve spent the last several days feeling helpless and continually weepy, not something I’m accustomed to, as I watch my friends and family members navigate this devastating event,” wrote Nicole Vogel, president and co-founder of Houstonia’s publisher SagaCity Media in an email. “We think we are in a unique position to offer perspective and assistance.”

Besides continuing to report on stories of heroism and tragedy while its reporters themselves are in peril, the magazine has launched a website called Houstonia Helps to continually assess the needs of the city, research what local relief organizations and shelters require, and collect donations to support the cause.

Currently, the website is benefitting a half-dozen local organizations including The Foundry Church, PetSet Houston, and Impact Church of Christ. They are accepting everything from diapers and baby formula to toilet paper and bug spray. Of course, during the beginning of the school year, backpacks, school supplies, and new uniforms are also in high demand.

As Vogel describes the Houston community, the similarities to Baltimore are undeniable.

“It’s a city that has the spirit of a small town,” she wrote. “I have been equal parts frustrated and awed by the sheer inability to get out of Houston coffee shop in under 20 minutes. Clerks, people in line, people holding doors, not only greet you . . . but follow up with questions, comments, niceties about your kids, etc. It appears that this was always a sincere reflection of caring that is deeply rooted in Houston.”

Baltimore staff members saw this welcoming spirit first-hand when we attended the annual City Regional Magazine Association (CRMA) conference in Houston last May, spending time in the Houstonia offices—which thankfully suffered no damage—and the city at large.

This is why we jumped at the chance to help. In our upcoming November issue, you’ll find a 32-page insert that will include content about heroic acts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, as well as information about local nonprofits to which you can donate.

“There have been so many acts of heroism that it’s difficult to even get our heads wrapped around them,” Vogel wrote. “The package will be diverse and inspiring, but also attempt to put the disaster into some perspective for readers.”

In the meantime, you can donate to Houstonia Helps for a chance to donate items that will be collected in the Houstonia offices and be given to area shelters and organizations in need.

In true Charm City fashion, local business owners are doing their part to help after Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston and other parts of Southeast Texas and Louisiana last week—leaving more than 30,000 people displaced. Among the business owners aiding relief is chef Chad Gauss, who has vowed to donate 50 percent of all brunch sales at his Pikesville restaurant La Food Marketa to relief efforts this Sunday, September 3.

“Any time that there’s a problem that comes out of people’s control, no matter how hard you try to prepare, it’s just never enough,” Gauss says. “We thought it would be a good opportunity to put some good will out there and pay it forward to another part of the country.”

The fundraiser will feature the spot’s signature south-of-the-border-influenced brunch plates including turkey sausage tacos, classic Huevos Rancheros, and griddled French toast with a pineapple-almond crumble.

“A lot of people are looking for a way to give and don’t quite know how to,” he says. “This is a really uncomplicated way for people to support. And they get something in return.”

Here are a few other local businesses doing their part to give back:  

Abbey Burger Bistro: Co-owner Jason Zink is planning a fundraiser to benefit his friends Andrew and Chris Fox (the brothers behind Annapolis hotspots Vida Taco Bar, Fox’s Den, and Level) who opened Baltimore-inspired restaurant 495 Chesapeake Eats in Rockport, Texas only six months ago. The tavern, which the storm devastated in its wake, serves as an ode to Charm City with staples like crab cakes, pit beef, Maryland crab soup, and jumbo shrimp with Old Bay. On Wednesday, September 6, from 5 p.m.-2 a.m., both of Abbey Burger Bistro’s locations in Fells Point and Federal Hill will be donating $4 of every $6 Deep Eddy vodka drink to help the restaurant rebuild, and continue giving Texans a taste of Baltimore. “I’ve known Chris and Andrew for 20 years,” Zink says. “If anybody can rebound, it’s the two of them.” 811 S. Broadway, 410-522-1428

Avenue Kitchen and Bar: The former Le Garage space in Hampden is hosting a special wine tasting to support the cause. Snag a seat at the bar on Tuesday, September 19 to sample 12 worldly sauvignon blancs and a few from Texas. All proceeds from the event will be donated directly to the Red Cross. The ticketed sampling costs $25, and all attendees will be offered a 20 percent-off discount for their meal following the tasting. 911 W. 36th St., 443-961-8515

Becket Hitch and Wee Chic Boutique: These Lutherville neighbors are partnering with local infant support organization ShareBaby to help send diapers to families affected by the disaster. On Saturday, September 2, both boutiques will be donating a portion of their sales to the Texas Diaper Bank, which works to donate diapers and other supplies to infants and seniors in need. Multiple locations including 2360 Joppa Road, Ste. 110, 410-296-4818

The Charmery: In an effort to do their part, husband-and-wife owners David and Laura Alima are recreating one of the signature flavors from their favorite Houston creamery Chocolate Wasted Ice Cream. Swing by the Hampden shop this weekend to sample the spin on a Chocolate Wasted classic, which mixes a cherry and poppyseed base with white chocolate bits throughout. All proceeds will benefit the Chocolate Wasted owners and their efforts to help the community rebuild. 801 W. 36th St., 410-814-0493

Old Westminster Winery: Vigneron Drew Baker posted a video to Facebook earlier this week pledging Old Westminster’s support of the victims in Houston. The winery has set a goal of raising $10,000 throughout the month of September by donating 20 percent of all online and tasting room sales to the Red Cross. 1550 Old Westminster Road, Westminster, 410-881-4656

Parts & Labor: Spike Gjerde’s Remington meat mecca is supporting the cause the best way it knows how—by breaking down a whole prime steer sourced from Southwest Baltimore’s Old Line Custom Meat Company. This weekend, 100 percent of all sales from the cuts—both in the restaurant and its butcher shop up front—will be donated directly to flood victims in Houston. 2600 N. Howard St., 443-873-8887

Relief Show Featuring SONiA disappear fear: Local indie musician Sonia Rutstein, more fondly known as SONiA disappear fear, has organized a benefit show at the Corner Community Center in Roland Park this Sunday, September 3 at 7 p.m. The concert’s lineup also features performers Tret Fure, Tom Prasada Rao, Seth Kibel, Sarah Pinsker, and George Jessup. Tickets range from $10-18, with proceeds benefitting the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund established by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, as well as other charities including the Houston Food Bank and Organizacion Latina de Trans en Texas. 5802 Roland Ave.

Baltimore Ravens Make Sizable Donation: The Ravens announced Thursday that the organization would be donating $1 million to disaster relief efforts in Houston. The funds will be given to the United Way of Central Houston, and divided among the United Way Relief Fund for Hurricane Harvey, the Salvation Army of Houston, and the Red Cross. The organization is urging fans to join the NFL in donating to the Red Cross here. 

Sweet Elizabeth Jane: This Ellicott City boutique—which was hit hard during the flood devastation on Main Street last summer—is no stranger to the concept of rebuilding. “The generosity of so many of you got us through, so we know that any amount is helpful,” the shop posted to its Facebook page. In keeping with this sentiment, Sweet Elizabeth Jane will be donating 15 percent of all sales to relief efforts from September 2-4. 8289 Main St., Ellicott City, 410-465-6400

Devastation hit the city of Houston, Texas hard on Friday as Hurricane Harvey made landfall. The rains lasted for three days, leaving 30,000 victims displaced and more than two feet of rain across the city. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator Brock Long said “this is a landmark event for Texas. 

On a local level, Chas Eby—communications director for Maryland Emergency Management Agency—emphasized the importance of being prepared as a tropical storm offshoot of Harvey travels up the Atlantic Coast.

“Having a preparedness plan is extremely vital,” he said. “We do not expect to experience impacts like Houston, but we will get a significant amount of rain.” 

While many Houstonians are being rescued and evacuated, forecasters say that more rain is coming. Recovering from a disaster of this magnitude could take years, according to FEMA, and any assistance is useful. As emergency crews, charities, and aid groups in Texas gear up to help the victims of Harvey, here are some ways you can help from Baltimore.

Monetary donations

You may not have $25,000 to donate like comedian Kevin Hart, but small donations can make the difference in providing food and shelter for one person. Donors can text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the American Red Cross. Catholic Charities USA, the relief agency for the U.S. Catholic Church, is accepting donations online and by phone by simply texting CCUSADISASTER to 71777.

NFL star and Houston Texan JJ Watt created a crowd-funding campaign to raise money for the victims of Harvey.

“Hurricane Harvey has taken a catastrophic toll on our great city, while leaving many stranded and in need of assistance,” Watt wrote. “We must come together and collectively help rebuild the aspects of our community members’ lives that were damaged or lost. Any donation that you can spare, no matter how large or small, is greatly appreciated. We will come out of this stronger than ever. We are Texans.”

Watt kicked off the efforts with a personal donation of $100,000 toward the $500,000 goal.

The mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, has also established a Hurricane Harvey relief fund with the Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF).  The GHFC will accept tax-deductible donations for the victims of the recent flooding in Houston. 

GoFundMe has also started multiple campaigns to raise funds for victims and animal relief in the wake of the devastation.

Local dining establishments have also recently vowed to support the cause. On Sunday, September 3, Pikesville’s La Food Marketa will be donating 50 percent of all brunch sales to relief efforts in Houston. 

Volunteer

Donating your time can be instrumental in assisting the relief efforts. Organizations like the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army deploy volunteers to disaster areas to assist in numerous capacities like offering food to rescue workers and survivors or providing emotional and spiritual support to victims. 

Eby says that Marylanders should consider volunteering to “known” organizations as a means to get involved.

“There is a website that local residents can go to, the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, to find a list of groups that are participating in the efforts in Houston,” he said. “The organizations listed are reputable and will be more than happy to accept help from anywhere they can get it.”

Check in with family and friends

Social media platforms like Facebook have allowed users to check in and share their “safe” status with friends. But if you happen to have family and friends that live in the Houston area, Eby says it’s best to check on them directly to ensure they are safe.

“We encourage local residents to reach out to anyone they may know in the disaster area,” he said. “If they have experienced power outages or are injured and can’t get help, you may be able to assist in reaching out to first responders even from Baltimore.”