by ERIN CRAVER, SECU FAMILY HOUSE
photos by DESILU
The eighth annual Men Who Cook competition, presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and HanesBrands, will showcase the talents of local male leaders who are amateur chefs and their teams as the Family House hosts its popular fundraiser on August 19th in the Forsyth Barn at Legacy Stables & Events located at 4151 Thomasville Road in Winston-Salem. About 400 partygoers will get to taste savory samples crafted by the chefs and then vote for their favorite ones through tips that are donated to the Family House. Last year’s event was a record-breaking success, with proceeds netting more than $183,000.
“This is such a fun and exciting event, bringing families together over food, and truly represents the togetherness, hospitality and love we provide at the Family House,” said Kathy Carr, executive director of SECU Family House. The 45-room Family House is an alternative to a hospital waiting room or an expensive hotel for people coming to Winston-Salem for out-of-town medical care. The staff provides friendship, support and affordable accommodations for adult patients and caregivers who have been referred by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center or Trellis Supportive Care.
The Family House has hosted folks from 96 North Carolina counties and 45 states and has served more than 48,000 overnight guests since opening in 2011. Guests stay for a nominal overnight fee of $40 per night thanks to donations and events like Men Who Cook that help to keep rates affordable.
SECU Family House Board Chair Heather Bolt Mikeal shared, “I’ve been to a lot of nonprofit events, and I can say for sure that ours is the most fun. It’s a great time to socialize and, most importantly, our biggest fundraiser of the year. Watching the evolution of the event, from Bridger Field House, then through the pandemic years, and now at Legacy Stables, it’s been incredible. Being able to fill such a large venue really goes to show you just how fun people in the community find this event. Not only that, but it also shows how important hospitality is to the fabric of Winston-Salem, and the Family House is such a good example of that.”
Men Who Cook chefs create their own recipes, from appetizers to desserts, and are allowed a sous chef for assistance during the evening. To entice the healthy competition, judges’ prizes will be awarded to the winning chefs. Early online judging through “tipping” will also be available at familyhousews.org/men-who-cook.
Guests can expect some delectable dishes like tastings from past years which included Hawaiian pork sliders, smoked brisket mac n cheese, shrimp and grits, and more!
Some of our amateur chefs this year will include Chief William Penn, Winston-Salem Police Chief; Tim Lowe, President of Lowes Foods; Joey Perkins, Partner at Cannon & Company; Neil Piner & Jeremiah Phillips with SECU; and a Winston Under 40 team from Greater Winston-Salem!
Individuals who wish to support the event in advance may purchase a Wooden Spoon Sponsorship which includes two reservations and a listing in the souvenir program for $500. Tickets may also be purchased for $100 for one or $1,250 for a reserved table (admits 10). To purchase a sponsorship contact Erin Craver at the SECU Family House at 336.793.2822 or Erin.Craver@familyhousews.org.
