By Kara Yates, SECU Family House
The SECU Family House is excited to celebrate the 10th annual Men Who Cook—our largest fundraiser and one of Winston-Salem’s most anticipated food events. Sponsored by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, this unique evening brings together over 35 local male leaders who swap their day jobs for chef hats to compete for crowd-favorite like Best Taste, Best Presentation, and Most Tips Raised.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 16, 2025. At 6:30pm Legacy Stables & Events’ Forsyth Barn will be filled with fun, flavor, and purpose as nearly 400 guests sample delicious bites from 16 chef teams. From appetizers to desserts, the dishes are as diverse as the teams behind them—each one ready to tantalize your tastebuds and earn your votes through tips.
Last year, the event raised over $148,000 to support the SECU Family House, which provides affordable, comfortable lodging to adult patients and caregivers traveling to Winston-Salem for serious medical care.
“This event embodies everything the Family House stands for—community, compassion, and comfort,” said Executive Director Kathy Carr. “It’s heartwarming to see our supporters show up year after year for families going through some of the hardest times in their lives.”
Families staying at the SECU Family House often travel from across North Carolina and beyond to receive care at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, and Trellis Supportive Care. A stay at the Family House offers comfort and relief at a fraction of hotel costs—and with home-cooked meals, therapy dog visits, art and wellness activities, and more, it’s truly “more than just a place to stay.”
Guests vote for their favorite dishes by tipping their favorite chef teams—online or in person. Winners walk away with bragging rights and custom trophies, but the real victory is the support shown for the families we serve.
TICKETS + TABLES + SPONSORSHIP INFO
Tickets are on sale now at bit.ly/menwhocook2025 for $100 each. Includes all-you-can-eat food & all-you-can-drink beverages.
Reserve a seated table for 10 for $1,250—great for businesses, friends, or family groups.
New this year – Reserve a standing cocktail table for $250 (tickets purchased separately)- perfect for couples or small groups who want a space to gather during the evening.
Wooden Spoon Sponsorships are available for $500 and include two event tickets, early entry, and a printed program listing.
For corporate sponsorship details, contact Director of Development, Kara Yates at 336-793-2822 or [email protected].
BY THE NUMBERS
Since opening in 2011, the SECU Family House has welcomed over 58,000 guests from 96 NC counties and 45 states. Events like Men Who Cook help ensure our doors stay open for out-of-town patients and their families experiencing medical crisis- offering comfort, hope, and a place to rest.
