Flatlander Fund Created to Honor the Memory of Dan Schrieber

Dan Schreiber had big dreams, and the talent,
enthusiasm, and vision to bring so
many to fruition. He died in July at age 24.
Known around town as “The Chocolate
Man,” Dan was the genius behind Flatlander
Chocolate, Illinois’ only “bean-tobar”
chocolate maker. His operation roasted
his own beans, tempered, and molded
chocolates, something few others in the
country do. The result was considered by
some to be among the finest chocolate in
the world.
Dan’s enthusiasm for great food did not
stop at chocolate. He was passionate about
creating a community kitchen, a place
where small food businesses would be cultivated
and local foods would be created
and shared.
Friends and colleagues are still struggling
with Dan’s death. One thing is certain
though: Dan would want to see his
community kitchen concept developed.
With that dream in mind, friends and
family came together to create the Flatlander
Fund, a project dedicated to bringing
the community kitchen to fruition. A
community kitchen is a certified kitchen
where food artisans can go to make their
product, share their skills, and learn new
ideas. It is also envisioned to help those
making foods, breads, jams, meats, candies,
pies, etc…, market and sell them to
the local community.
On Sunday, August 29, the Fund held its
first fundraising event. Where 38 guests
joined 21 volunteers at Buvons!, the
Corkscrew Wine Emporium’s new wine bar,
for a gourmet three-course, wine-paired
meal. The event raised more than $4,000 in
just three hours.
The next special event in the works is
a chocolate auction this fall where Dan’s
remaining chocolates will be live-auctioned
off along with other artisanal
foods and local art. Stay tuned for details!
Dan was a brilliant guy who was brave
enough to follow his dreams and make the
world better along the way. His passing
has left a hole in our community, no
doubt. But together, we can help create a
kitchen that would cultivate food entrepreneurs,
share great food with the community,
help teach others about food, and
make Dan’s dream a reality.
We will never find someone quite like
Dan, but we can still breathe life into his
dream.
To learn more about and support Dan’s
dream of a community kitchen, go to
www.flatlanderfund.org