BiteClub has just been informed that Starlight Cafe's Chef Thaddeus Palmese is fighting for his life and needs our help. According to family and friends, he was rushed to the hospital last week and is facing an uncertain future with cancer affecting several of his organs.

He isn't giving up and in his true spirited nature, says it isn't 'his time.' The restaurant needs to continue on (with owner and cousin Ted in the kitchen) and medical costs are mounting.

To support Thaddeus, Ted and his wife Heather have created a benefit where all proceeds will go toward Thaddeus' medical costs.

Here are the details...

A casual and lively benefit is planned to raise emergency medical funds in support of Chef Thaddeus Palmese on Monday, Sept 28 from 5-8pm at Sassafras Restaurant (1229 N. Dutton Ave.,Santa Rosa).

Known as a saucy, stylish and quite skilled culinary whiz...and cousin to Ted Van Doorn...Thaddeus is fighting a second round with cancer. With every intention of winning, we're gathering the community and money to support him in this effort

For $25, the fun and true-to-Starlight-fashion Creole menu will include red beans and rice and cornbread. A no-host bar will also be offered as well as live entertainment. To accommodate a larger crowd, the event will be held at Sassafras rather than Starlight. A silent auction for which donations are still being accepted is also being organized.

Can't make the dinner? Stay tuned for details on how you can help out.

(PHOTO: Owner Ted Van Doorn, left, and Executive Chef Thaddeus Palmese discuss a bottle of wine at their Starlight Wine Bar and Restaurant in Sebastopol. JEFF KAN LEE/PD)