BY ERIN CRAVER, SECU FAMILY HOUSE
Like many other non-profits, in-person special events were put on the back burner during COVID-19. But with a new larger venue at Legacy Stables & Events in the Forsyth Barn here in Winston-Salem, and safety protocols put in place, a delicious competition is on the menu for the SECU Family House!
The seventh annual Men Who Cook competition, presented by Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, 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 20 in the Forsyth Barn at Legacy Stables & Events located at 4151 Thomasville Rd. in Winston-Salem. About 400 party goers will get to taste savory samples crafted by the chefs and then vote for their favorite ones through tips that are donated to Family House. Last year’s virtual event was a huge success, with proceeds netting more than $86,000.
“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 kitchen is definitely the heart of most of our homes and meal preparation is such a large part of the services that Family House provides to its guests,” said Carr. “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.”
The Family House has hosted folks from 96 North Carolina counties and 45 states, and has served more than 42,000 overnight guests since opening in 2011. Guests stay for a nominal overnight fee of $40 per night, and if they are unable to pay, a Family House assistance fund is available to help, thanks to donations and events like Men Who Cook.
“Even though we are amateur chefs, we certainly enjoy cooking and are honored to share our love of food to raise money for Family House,” said Jose Rodriguez, amateur chef and SECU Family House Board Chair. “You truly cannot beat the intensity and fun we whip up at this event, and facing off against more than 20 chefs, we can certainly relate to the fiery cooking competitions we see on television.”
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, a judges’ prize and a people’s choice prize will be awarded to the winning chefs. Early online judging will also be available at https://www.familyhousews.org/men-who-cook/.
Taste testers can expect some delectable dishes similar to tastings from past years year which included home cured bacon with mac and cheese, spicy paella, ceviche, gumbo & more!
Some of our amateur chefs this year will include Dr. Kevin High, President of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Dr. Michael Lischke, Associate Dean for Continuing Medical Education at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, and Coach Pat Crowley, Financial Advisor for Wells Fargo Advisors and coach of R.J. Reynolds High School Football!
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. Reservations may also be purchased for $100 for one or $1,250 for a reserved table (admits 10). To purchase a sponsorship or reservations, contact Erin Craver at the SECU Family House at 336-793-2822, or Erin.Craver@familyhousews.org.
