See the Video of 2009: Click Here.    

A benefit for Suicide Prevention Services
 
Tickets are available the day of the event at the door for $60.

50 extraordinary men will be demonstrating their culinary skills at *50 Men Who Cook*, a delicious fundraiser event for Suicide Prevention Services.


The *50 Men Who Cook* tasting event will be held:
 
Saturday, February 27, 2010, from 6:00 – 9:00pm
Lincoln Inn Banquets, 1345 S. Batavia Road (Rte. 31) in Batavia, IL.
[For map and directions, Click Here. ]

Our 50 Celebrity Cooks will demonstrate their cooking prowess for attendees, acting as judges. Those in attendance will be able to sample countless individual tastings from each chef’s station and cast their
vote for their favorite in each of several categories.
 
Live Music
Raffle
Cash Bar available
Great food!
 
Best of all your ticket will benefit Suicide Prevention Services - a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing and eliminating suicide
and suicide attempts through education, advocacy, and collaboration. *50 Men Who Cook* will raise funds that will be used to increase awareness
and provide outreach about suicide.


More details for Cooks:
Click Here.
______________________________________________________________________________

WHAT THE COOKS OF 2009 HAD TO SAY:
(Want to be a cook on this list for 2010? Click Here.)

If you are a Cook for 2010 and wish to submit a quote, please email our webmaster by clicking here. Jen@Spsfv.org

*Former Plano Mayor, Bill Roberts*
My wife Debbie, a rural mail carrier, and I will be preparing "Manic Cotti - Going Toastal". 50 Men Who Cook is a great way for me to honor the memories of my father Bill, who committed suicide in 1986, and my mother Evie, a longtime S.O.S. volunteer.

*Joe Cantafio*
Lead singer and guitarist of “Joe Cantafio & the 101st Rock Division <http://www.joecantafio.com/>.” After a year long project called “Let Freedom Sing” in 2001 - 2002 for the firefighters of FDNY Engine Co. 55 … we went to Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries in the Middle East to
entertain American and Coalition Troops on the frontline. I work with Veterans and Veteran Group and suicide is still a major issue for all Veterans who have witnessed the horrors of war up close. I hope we get to help those “forgotten heroes” in our VA’s across America <http://www.usaforgottenheroes.com/>. I have also learned how to cook pretty well being a single father, raising 4 daughters for the past 11-years. My girls tell me my red pasta sauce is the best in the world. Let’s see what you think!

*Syed Hashmath Anwar MD.*
I am dedicated to the prevention of Suicide.

*Chris Behmer*
Commissoner on the Batavia Park Board. The Batavia Park District
supports many community events and especially those that serve the
special needs of our community.

*Pat Callahan*
Batavia Park Board President
The Batavia Park District is committed to community causes. As the Park
Board President I want to participate.

*Jim A. Calme*
I am a Computer Engineer by day - hobbyist Chef by night. My wife is a
wine consultant and I prepare all the food pairings. Her clients used to
come for the wine now I think they come for the food! With that said,
your cause is near and dear to our heart as our nephew, Brendan who was
21 died by suicide on March 26, 2008 and our life has been forever
changed. With the anniversary coming up – my wife and I thought this
would be a perfect memorial for Brendan and an opportunity to help raise
money for such an important organization.

*Tom Cross *
State Represtative
Tom Cross is serving his Eighth term in the Illinois General Assembly as
the District 84 State Representative.

*James Hankes*
I love to cook – people say I should have been a chef! I am happy to support such an important cause.

*Rob Infelise*
Cooking is my passion, and I would like to have the chance show others my skills, and dedication to food. This is a very good cause, and I would love to support the organization.

*Bryan Jankowski *
I want participate b/c my family & I have been personally affected by
suicide as my father was a victim of suicide 2 years ago. I would like
to show my support for this organization and all it does to help the family & friends of suicide victims.

*Emil Jensen*
Batavia Police Officer
We have recently lost two outstanding officers to suicide. This event
gives me the opportunity to raise awareness and support SPS. Plus… I love to cook!

*Leonard Lempa *
I am a social worker who deals with people with mental health issues and so am committed to supporting your organization. I am also intending to share my signature ethnic holiday dish which people ask me to bring to parties.

*Brent McConnaughay*
I think this is a great cause and very much overlooked. In this day and
age we need this organization more than ever. I am a business owner and
love to cook. I even have a few awards under my belt!

*Chris Mootrey*
I enjoy cooking and sharing it with others. Meals have always been a good way to not only bring individuals together but to ensure good conversation.

*Al Mueller*
Suicide Prevention Services Board Member and Treasurer

*Dan Nufer *
I am cooking to honor my nephew Joe and my father-in-law Marty, who died by suicide and to help save the lives of others. I’ll be cooking on a *Big Green Egg*!

*Dave Patush*
Our lives changed forever when our son Joe died by suicide. We do what we can to help others.

*George Pradel*
Mayor of Naperville

*John Urich *
We are cooking because we have witnessed the devastation of suicide
personally and want to support positive, life-giving services to those
in need. SPS is the most important service to those who are so lost and
hopeless, especially now in these hard times. Also, we recognize
that hospitality, gathering people together for feed and fellowship, is
a wonderful evening and way to emphasize our services.

*Jim Rabb*
I would be proud to support S.P.S. by participating in this function. As
a survivor who lost his best friend, (brother Steven in 2002 and mother
Elaine just a short year later), I know that they would be proud of me
for sharing my cooking abilities, which they appreciated, with others. I
have done community theatre in the Fox Valley over the past 30 years and
am a graduate of The Second City School of Improv. So don’t be surprised
if you get a good laugh along with some great food.

David Schach*
I’m a local entrepreneur, running a small consulting startup. This is something that I think is good to support, as a man and as part of the community.

*Jeffrey Schielke*
Mayor of Batavia

*Alan P. Wolff*
I love to cook, but don’t usually have the time–think it would be fun to participate in a fundraiser and see other cooks ideas!!!

*James Andrews*
I am the vicar/pastoral intern at Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia

*Tony DeLio*
Someone who has seen the harrowing effects of suicide attempts and ones
carried out. There cannot be enough attention and education put toward
this epidemic! Let’s move forward together while embracing our passion
for people, our own community, and of course, food.