As the saying goes, if you can’t take the heat, get the heck out of the kitchen. But in this case, we’re excited for some folks to get the heck IN the kitchen and cook!
Get your appetites ready, because the SECU Family House in Winston-Salem will be serving up the 4th annual helping of their popular “Men Who Cook” fundraising event this year on Saturday, March 16th at Bridger Field House. The event brings together local male amateur chefs and their cooking teams who battle it out to please the taste buds of nearly 400 hungry attendees of the event. Participating chefs come from all sectors of the Winston-Salem community, from banking to clergy, lawyers to realtors, higher education to local media, and everything in between.
“We are thrilled that this event continues to be one that garners such wonderful support for our house,” said Kathy Carr, executive director of SECU Family House. “The kitchen is definitely the heart of our homes and meal preparation is such a large part of the services that Family House provides its guests. We love bringing families together over food, and we couldn’t have found a better way to celebrate our mission of providing assistance to adult patients and caregivers who are going through difficult health crises.”
Celebrity chefs aren’t in it just to show off their cooking prowess, either. It’s about the big picture and supporting an important resource in our community.
“We are so lucky to have such world-renowned healthcare in our community. The Family House is a way of welcoming our out-of-town healthcare patients and their families,” said Dr. Michael Lischke, who won 1st place last year with teammates Phil Roethle and Jeff Smith and will defend that title this year. “It takes away a little bit of stress and financial burden and provides an amazing level of comfort for our patients and their families. It’s like going to Grandma’s house — wonderful food, comfort, and people ready to do whatever you need.”
And newbies to the event are just as excited about having fun and doing good at the same time. “I am really looking forward to such a fun and unique event that helps an amazing organization,” said Mark Owens, President and CEO of the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce and new chef this year. “I have already started practicing my cooking skills and am excited to put them to the test!”
The Family House, which is conveniently located near Winston-Salem’s two major hospitals and their surrounding medical clinic areas, has served as home base for folks from 95 North Carolina counties and 42 states and has welcomed more than 32,000 overnight guests since opening its doors in 2011. When families come to our area with their loved ones for medical treatment – whether planned or in emergency situations – the Family House provides a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere for rest, food, community and more.
There is a small overnight fee for guests, and a Family House assistance fund is in place thanks to faithful donations and events like the Men Who Cook fundraiser.
Each year, Men Who Cook chefs create their own recipes, ranging from appetizers to desserts, and may utilize a sous chef during the event. They provide samples of their fares for attendees to enjoy, and four judges’ prizes and a People’s Choice Award will be given to winning chefs. Early online voting will be available as well. Last year alone, the Men Who Cook event raised nearly $140,000 for the SECU Family House!
Make plans to join us on March 16 when Winston-Salem’s own will roll up their sleeves and get to work for a great cause!
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SECU [State Employees’ Credit Union] Family House “Men Who Cook”
Saturday, March 16 – 6:30-9:00 pm
Bridger Field House, Winston-Salem
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Wooden Spoon sponsorships are available for $250, which include two reservations and a listing in the souvenir program. Event reservations are $75 for a single ticket, $140 for couples. Contact Tracy Geiger at the SECU Family House at 336-793-2822 or tracy.geiger@familyhousews.org.
