16th Annual Men Who Cook, Presented By CITGO: 'Every Child Deserves To Feel Safe': State's Attorney Glasgow

(The following press release is from Kelly O'Brien, Assistant State’s Attorney at the Office of Will County State's Attorney.)

JOLIET, IL —Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow and the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center invite the community to bring their appetites and join them for the 16th
Annual Men Who Cook, presented by CITGO, on Saturday, October 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Joliet Junior College Event Center, 1215 Houbolt Road in Joliet.

The popular annual fundraiser brings together amateur and professional cooks from throughout the community who will serve samples of their favorite appetizers, entrées and
desserts—all while competing for the votes and bragging rights of those in attendance.

“Every child deserves to feel safe, to be heard, and to know that what happened to them does not define their future,” Glasgow said. “Since I established the Children’s Advocacy
Centerin 1995, the Center has stood beside children and families during some of the darkest moments of their lives, giving them a path toward hope, healing and justice. Men Who Cook is more than a great night out—it is our community coming together to tell these children: you are not alone, we believe you, and we are here for you.”

“The Will County Children's Advocacy Center is an invaluable resource for children and families in our community,” said Jim Cristman, Vice President and General Manager of the CITGO Lemont Refinery. “We are honored to support Men Who Cook, an event that brings people together in support of the Center's mission and helps ensure these critical services remain available to those who need them most.”

The evening will feature a wide variety of food prepared by local cooks, a cash bar provided by Roc City Bar & Grill, children’s activities, raffles and the opportunity for guests to cast their votes for their favorite dishes.

One hundred percent of event proceeds stay local and benefit the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center and its evidence-based, trauma-informed services for children who have
experienced severe physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, neglect and exposure to violence.

Founded in 1995 by State’s Attorney Glasgow, the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center provides a coordinated, child-focused response to allegations of child abuse. The Center
brings together law enforcement, prosecutors, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, medical professionals, forensic interviewers, family advocates and trauma therapists to provide children and their families with hope, healing and justice.

The Will County Children’s Advocacy Center gratefully recognizes CITGO as the presenting sponsor of the 16th Annual Men Who Cook and thanks the many community partners whose generous support helps make the event possible, including WJOL, Roc City Bar & Grill, ExxonMobil, WM, D’Arcy, Sterk Family Law Group, Lockport Woman’s Club, Silver Cross Hospital, Ozinga, Harrah’s Joliet, Czerkies Properties, Mayor Keith Ogle, Pink Heals Joliet Area Chapter, 101 Mobility, Contractors Association of Will & Grundy Counties, Earthrise Energy, Melissa Meyers and Team Janine – CrossCountry Mortgage and the list of sponsors continues to grow.