For over 25 years, SHARP Literacy has been engaging urban youth in experiential and hands-on learning that enhances their understanding of science, technology, engineering, art and math. 

To support SHARP's important work, chefs from several local restaurants will participate in Milwaukee's most unique, irreverent chef event: Unwrapped MKE. 

The creative fundraiser, which challenges chefs to prepare small-plate appetizers and desserts using McDonald’s core ingredients, has been held every spring for the past nine years and has raised over $500,000 since its inception.

The 9th annual Unwrapped MKE will take place on Thursday, May 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 3rd Street Market Hall, 275 W. Wisconsin Ave.  And it will challenge chefs to reimagine their favorite springtime dishes using McDonald's ingredients.

Unwrapped Milwaukee chefs will serve their delicious bites to approximately 300 guests at the 2025 event. The evening will also include a silent auction, gift card wall, and a bourbon experience with Steve Palec.

“Both in the classroom and kitchen, spring brings excitement and renewed energy, and we know our chefs will bring this creative flair into their springtime-in-Wisconsin-themed recipes,” said Lynda Kohler Welsh, president and CEO of SHARP Literacy. “We are so appreciative of the Milwaukee hospitality industry that gives back so much to support nonprofits making a difference in the community.”

What the chefs are cooking up

Here's what's on the menu for UnWrapped 2025: 

• Smoked Island Canapes from Chef Luis Rios Ramos of Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse in Brookfield
• Seafood Tostada with Cool Crème Fresca and Arbol Pepper Sauce from Chef Tim Callahan of Blue Bat Kitchen
•  Owner Brit Grosenick of Happy Joy Candy Floss
• Chicken Piccata Meatballs with Rustic Frite Mash from Owner Amanda Wisth of Lemonyay
• Fish Croquette with Sweet and Spicy Remoulade  from Chef Billy John Rosete of Potawatomi Dream Dance Steakhouse
• Savory Bread Pudding with Spicy Sausage and Sweet Strawberry Preserve from Executive Chef Heskieth Flavien of Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
• Spicy and Crispy Chick-n-McGrits from Executive Chef Dustin Howard of Saz’s Hospitality Group

This year's event is led by longtime business and community leader Mark Kass, Jim Villa of Milwaukee Business Journal and Jim Villa and Visit Milwaukee President and CEO Peggy Williams-Smith.  All were instrumental in creating relationships within the restaurant community and helping recruit chefs for the event.

Bartolotta Partner of the Year

During the event, SHARP will present the “Bartolotta Partner of the Year” awards, which acknowledge the spirit of partnership and cooperation that the late Joe Bartolotta brought to everything he did.

The Milwaukee Admirals will be honored for their long-standing support of Unwrapped and “A Novel Event” fundraisers and SHARP’s mission. Owner/CEO Harris Turer will accept the award on behalf of the organization.

Meanwhile, The Steven and Anne Gentz family of Franklin, New Berlin and Milwaukee will be honored for their years of volunteerism related to Unwrapped and A Novel Event fundraisers and their ongoing support of SHARP’s mission.

Get your tickets!

Individual tickets for the event are $100 and include unlimited sampling at chef stations. They can be purchased online.

Various levels of corporate and individual sponsorship are also available.

All proceeds from the annual foodie fundraiser will go to support SHARP Literacy's award-winning STEAM-based programming (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) which touches over 8,000 urban elementary students in Milwaukee, Racine and Waukesha during the regular school year and summer sessions.