A Life-Changing Question

On a crisp October evening in downtown Chicago, a young girl changed a millionaire’s life with just five words:

“Sir… can I eat with you?”

Richard Evans, a well-known real estate mogul, was about to enjoy his steak at Marlowe’s, a Michelin-starred restaurant. But when an 11-year-old girl named Emily stood at his table, hungry and alone, everything changed.

A Shared Past of Hunger

Emily’s story was heartbreaking: her father had died in a work accident, her mother had left years earlier, and her grandmother—the last person she had—had just passed away. She hadn’t eaten since Friday.

What she didn’t know was that Evans had once walked the same path. Orphaned and homeless in Chicago, he too had gone to bed hungry countless times. Her words reopened memories he had long buried.

More Than a Meal

Instead of handing her money, Evans made a decision that stunned everyone. He offered Emily not just food, but a home, safety, and a chance to go to school.

At first, Emily struggled—hoarding food, sleeping on the floor—but Evans reassured her:

“You’ll never need to be afraid again.”

From Homeless to Valedictorian

With his support, Emily thrived. She studied hard, graduated high school with honors, and eventually walked the stage at Columbia University as valedictorian. Her graduation speech wasn’t about grades—it was about a steak dinner that turned into a new life.

The Birth of a Foundation

Instead of chasing wealth, Emily founded the Can I Eat With You? Foundation, helping homeless children find food, shelter, and education. Evans donated a third of his estate to fund the mission, turning his personal story of survival into a legacy of compassion.

A Tradition of Kindness

Today, every October 15, Evans and Emily return to Marlowe’s—not to dine inside, but to serve hot meals to the homeless on the sidewalks outside.