'Men Who Cook' to Raise Money For Child Advocacy Center

From the Will County State's Attorney's Office:

The menu at the annual Eighth Annual “Men Who Cook” culinary competition has been planned by roughly 50 local guys who know how to make more than restaurant reservations for dinner.

Bring your appetites and loosen your belts, because this year’s “Men Who Cook” is certain to be the biggest and best ever.

“Men Who Cook" is scheduled for April 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Pipefitters Training Center off Interstate 80 at 10850 187th Street in Mokena.

All proceeds will benefit the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center

Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow invites the public to taste the home-cooked dishes offered by our local amateur chefs. They will serve bite-sized samples of their favorite home recipes — the dishes they serve their own families — for hundreds of guests. After sampling the fine cuisine, guests will be asked to vote for their favorite dishes in each of four categories: appetizers, side dishes, entrées and desserts.

The cost for “Men Who Cook” is $40 per person; $75 per couple. The price is $10 for children between 6 and 12. Kids 5 and under can attend for free. And of course, there’s no need to dress up; it’s a casual event.

“No one ever leaves hungry after making the rounds at ‘Men Who Cook,’” Glasgow said. “Our talented chefs always serve amazing food at their tables. The dishes are diverse and creative, the competition is friendly and fierce, and the crowds eat it all up — literally.”

WJOL’s Lynne, Mary and Natalie will return to the “Men Who Cook” Red Carpet to welcome guests. Jackson, the Children’s Advocacy Center’s popular Paws 4 Kids therapy dog, will have his own table. There’s even fun for youngsters at the “Men Who Cook” Kids Corner.

Glasgow established the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center in 1995 to improve the investigation of child sexual abuse cases. The center’s professionally trained and compassionate staff performs child-sensitive interviews when there are allegations of sexual or severe physical abuse. Children’s recorded statements have been used in the successful prosecution of thousands of predators.

The State’s Attorney founded the center as a 501-c-3 not-for-profit organization so it will not impact taxpayers. As a result, the center relies on grants, foundations and fundraisers like “Men Who Cook” to fulfill its important mission.

Tickets for “Men Who Cook” are available online at menwhocook.info or they can be purchased at the door. For additional information, call the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center at (815) 774-4565. Or visit on the Web at willcountychildrensadvocacy.org, menwhocook.info, or on Facebook at facebook.com/menwhocook.

Major sponsors for this year’s “Men Who Cook” are: Presenting Sponsors, Will County Board Members Ragan Freitag (District 6) and Mike Fricilone (District 7); Premier Event Sponsor, Will County Deputy Sheriff’s Union; and Master Chef Sponsors, Silver Cross Hospital, CITGO Lemont Refinery, and Jay & Lori Bergman.