Dining Forward:
Every kid deserves a shot at the piste.
My name is Balthazar Rosado, and as a competitive fencer at Windy City, I’ve seen how this sport builds the kind of discipline and focus that stays with you for life. Recently, I’ve been looking for a way to give back to my roots in Peru. On a trip to Lima, I found a small club in Magdalena del Mar called DFK. The passion there is incredible, kids from ages 4 to 20 are training every day, but the reality is that many of them can’t afford a simple fencing glove, let alone a mask or a blade.
It left a lasting impression on me. Seeing kids with that much dedication lacking even the basics made me realize how much we take for granted on the piste. Through my role at Fencing Forward, a youth-led 501(c)(3), I’m raising funds to get these athletes the equipment they need to compete safely and fairly. We aren’t just sending gear; we’re sending the tools these kids need to build the discipline, confidence, and resilience that fencing teaches.
You can help by entering our raffle for $8 a ticket. Every dollar goes directly toward kitting out these fencers. We have some great prizes, including gift cards to Kayao and Tanta, and a basket of Peruvian goodies. We’ll select the winners on June 25, but the real impact happens the moment we get this equipment into the hands of the kids in Lima. Thank you for helping me support this community.
Raffle Ticket: $8 each
Dates: April 25, 2026 – June 24, 2026
Winner Selected via LIVE Stream
Watch us: June 25
1st Prize:
$200 Gift Card to dine at Kayao Restaurant
Kayao is an upscale, high-energy Peruvian spot in Old Town that blends Andean traditions with Japanese (Nikkei) and Chinese (Chifa) influences. The atmosphere is moody and intimate, featuring stylish local artwork and an insulated outdoor patio perfect for date nights. The food focuses on elevated, shareable plates like fresh ceviches, grilled octopus, and their famous 36-hour short rib, all complemented by a creative Pisco-based cocktail program.
2nd Prize:
$100 Gift Card to dine at Tanta Chicago
Tanta is a vibrant River North destination that showcases the diverse regions of Peru through an inventive menu of Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) and Chifa (Chinese-Peruvian) fusion. The atmosphere is high-energy and stylish, featuring a colorful, modern dining room and a highly-coveted seasonal rooftop terrace that offers a lively escape from the city streets. Notable menu highlights include their world-class Lomo Saltado, the signature Chaufa Aeropuerto served in a sizzling stone bowl, and a premier Pisco Sour program.
3rd Prize:
Assorted Peruvian goodies gift basket (valued at $75+)
A handpicked collection of Peru’s most beloved sweets and treats, curated by someone who grew up with them. This gift box may include alfajores, chocotejas in flavors like lúcuma, pecans, and prunes with pisco, camotillos, and meringues filled with manjarblanco. It’s the kind of box that makes you want to sit down and share it with someone.
*Gift basket contents and presentation may vary. Photos shown are for illustrative purposes only.
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Dinning Forward for Peru
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Not into raffles? That’s okay. A direct donation to Fencing Forward goes just as far. Every dollar supports programs like this one, and gives kids access to fencing who otherwise wouldn’t have a shot.
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Fencing Forward is a DBA of Youth Fencing Chicago, Inc.
Youth Fencing Chicago is a registered 501(c)(3) organization | Tax ID: 99-0834900