HamOnt for Hanley pays tribute to local food giant

Hamilton's food community is coming together this weekend to pay tribute to Pop Up Hamilton co-founder Dave Hanley, who died suddenly last month.

HamOnt for Hanley, which is doubling as a fundraiser for Hanley's family, is happening on Sunday on King William Street between James and Hughsonstreets, and will feature food and drinks from local chefs, live music, art, and a silent auction.

Hungry patrons can expect food from chefs from local restaurants like The Butcher and The Vegan, Salt Lick, Earth to Table Bread Bar, Hambrgr, Pokeh, The Mule, The French, and more.

"Dave Hanley brought so many of us together, and gave us a chance to cook at some really unique events and take part in some really fun times and now it's our chance to come together and give back to help remember him and honour him and support his family," said PokehHamilton chef Salar Madadi in a video promoting the event.

Made in Hamilton: The mystery of Roma Pizza

8 years ago

Duration 6:38

Made in Hamilton: The mystery of Roma Pizza

There will also be musical performances from Jennifer Budd, Melissa Marchese, the Elliott Gwynne Trio, Astrid Hepner, Tim Tickner and Alfie Smith.

The event, which runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., is part of Hamilton's NOSH culinary week. Tickets are $50, which includes all you can eat food, and one drink of your choice.

Hanley and his wife, Nicole Longstaff, were the founders of Pop Up Hamilton, a company that offered popular "unique tasting adventures" with chefs in unlikely locations throughout Hamilton, which were revealed 48 hours before they happened.

Hanley and his family moved to Hamilton from Toronto in the summer of 2013.

After he died last month at age 45,a massive outpouring of grief erupted across social media, as Hamilton's food and entertainment community mourned his sudden death.

An online crowdfunding page that was set up to raise funds for his family has so far raised over $21,000.