Men Who Cook Fundraiser this Weekend

The Women and Family Life Center will hold their 18th Annual Men Who Cook Fundraiser this Sunday night, November 11th.  This is the Center’s largest fundraiser and has become a tradition in the community.

Every year, male volunteers whip up their culinary specialties to offer an extravagant culinary buffet to attendees.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for men in the community to show support for the work we do,” said Peggy Britt, Executive Director of the Center. “Some of them have professional experience, but most are simply cooks at home who love being in the kitchen, and are quite talented. The buffet they offer features appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts.”

The event, which will take place at the Owenego Inn, will also offer complimentary wine, provided by Shoreline Wine Merchants. “Guests will also enjoy both a silent and live auction with some fabulous prizes,” adds Britt. “We really tried to get a mix of auctions prizes including new trips we haven’t offered before, and one of a kind items.” Throughout the event, guests will also enjoy a full live band as they dine at the upscale venue by the sea.

The fundraising event will benefit the Center and the programs they provide to families on the shoreline. “We offer a variety of programs here at the Center for women,” explains Britt. “We do crisis intervention, help women with transitions like divorce and financial stresses, hold grief support programs, and common interest groups, just to name a few.”

The Center incorporated in 1990, becoming a nonprofit organization and the first women’s center in Connecticut. Their mission statement, defined that same year, is to “help women and families meet the challenges of daily living and personal development through education, enrichment, support and referral services.” That mission is as alive today as it was when the center first opened, and Britt affirms the importance of that goal.

“Times are difficult now and everyone is trying to weather the storm,” concludes Britt. “We have a long history here in Guilford and on the shoreline, and we’re very lucky to have earned the trust and respect of our community. There’s a real sense that, no matter what happens, we need to take care of each other, and we will continue to do that no matter what happens.”

The first Men Who Cook event was held in 1993, when it became their first major fundraiser to support the center and the programs they offer to the community. Today, it remains their biggest event of the year, typically bringing in about 200 guests.

Tickets for the event are still available online, and can also be purchased at the door. They are $100 per ticket. The Women and Family Life Center would also like to thank their major sponsors of the event:

Presenting Sponsors:

The Seedlings Foundation

The Owenego Inn

Platinum Sponsors:

Fosdick Fulfillment Corporation

Guilford Savings Bank

Murtha Cullina, LLP

Gold Sponsors:

Dorr Family Foundation

Obstetrics, Gynecology & Menopause Physicians, P.C.

Owenego Inn

Page Taft- Christie’s International Real Estate

Shoreline Wine Merchants