Chance The Rapper Grills Chicken For CPS: 'Chicago, You Soften My Heart'

Chance The Rapper at Nando's

DOWNTOWN — Chance The Rapper didn't get lost in the sauce Tuesday night at Chicago's newest Nando's, where the star served up a room full of smiles and chicken dinners out of charity for Chicago Public Schools.

Fans lined up across the street from the new Nando's at 117 E. Lake St., hoping to catch a glimpse of the Grammy-winning 24-year-old rapper from Chatham. Inside, Chance was manning the cash register, grill and delivering dinners to a packed house including many CPS teachers and students.

Chance's appearance boosted a three-day fundraiser at the Nando's, which will donate all proceeds (minus alcohol) through Thursday toward Chance's SocialWorks nonprofit. The appearance came just days after Chance announced that SocialWorks had raised $2.2 million for 20 more CPS schools.

"We gotta care about our schools as a city, care about the kids, teachers and principals and fight for equitable funding," Chance, born Chancelor Bennett, said Tuesday. "Chicago, every time you show out it softens my heart and makes me feel stronger."

^{Chance mans the grill at the new Nando's Peri Peri Chicken on Michigan Avenue. [All photos by DNAinfo/David Matthews]}

Chance's appearance fell on the first day of school for CPS, which still faces a massive deficit despite receiving $450 million in new state funding. Programs have been cut, and teachers have long asked parents to bring in basic necessities such as hand sanitizer.

Chance — donning a signature "3" apron — cooked chicken breasts, wings and skewers on a hot grill before delivering plates to Nando's diners. He introduced himself politely ("My name is Chance, nice to meet you") and welcomed selfies with ecstatic fans.

In one instance, Chance recorded a video for students of Samantha Shamburek, an art teacher at Gresham School of Excellence in Auburn Gresham.

"You have a great teacher," Chance said. "Don't skip class, I guess."

^{Chance recording a video for Ms. Shamburek's students at Gresham Elementary School.}

Another lucky guest was Cameron Kelly, a 10-year-old fifth grader at Ogden International School in the Gold Coast. Kelly, whose favorite Chance verse is his guest spot on DJ Khaled's "I'm The One," said meeting his favorite rapper was "crazy" and an experience he thought would never happen.

Kimberly Adams, Kelly's mother, sang her own praises for the young rapper who's become a role model for her child.

"Don't see too many young people his age with this much enthusiasm," she said.

Chance's $2.2 million donation followed a $1 million one he made to CPS in March. A parent and former CPS student, the rapper has said he invests in Chicago's children so they can "change the world."

Scroll down for more photos of Chance's charity appearance:

^{Chance poses for photos with Nando's servers.}