4th Annual Chicago CANstruction Competition Successfully Raises Over 70,000 Canned Food Items

The 4th annual Chicago CANstruction Competition successfully raised over 70,000 canned food items. They were made into colossal structures that will be on display in the Chicago Merchandise Mart lobbies until June 2.

One of the Sculptures Built by

These giant sculptures were created to aid the cause to end hunger in Chicago. Many Chicago architects, engineers and construction companies participated in the event.

After June 2, all the cans of food used in the structures benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The Greater Chicago Food Depository is Chicago’s food bank. They distribute food for hungry people through a network of over 600 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.

"Food donations are vital in responding to the rising need in Cook County,"” said Kate Maehr, executive director of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. “"We are so grateful for the efforts of the architects, designers and other volunteers who make CANstruction possible.”"

CANstruction opened with a gala even on May 13. This gala was attended by more than 300 guests. This goes to show that a lot of people are dedicated to removing hunger in Chicago. Among guests were celebrity guest judges Billy Dec, president and partner of Rockit Ranch Productions, Gianna Tetrick, Simeone Deary Design Group, Radhika Desai, Top Chef season 5 contestant, Bill Zwecker, Chicago Sun-Times, Monica Pedersen, interior designer and HGTV’s Designed To Sell, Eddie Baeb, Crain’s Chicago Business senior reporter and event MC Charley Carroll, Second City, Annoyance Theater, iO. CANstruction attendees were also treated to an after party at Billy Dec’s The Underground.

CANstruction is a design and building competition that benefits local food banks all across the nation. This unique competition allows local engineers, architects and construction companies to create incredible sculptures that they can use to fight hunger in their city.

Photographs of the winners of the Chicago competition will be submitted for inclusion in the national competition at the AIA Convention in 2011.

Competitions like this benefit many people and raising over 70,000 is quite an outstanding feat. I think that it is safe to say, congratulations, CANstruction!

Canstruction Inc. is a registered trademark.