All Fired Up

A heart-healthy dish of baked salmon swept the top prize at the third annual Men Who Cook event to benefit the SECU Family House.

Chefs Michael Lischke, Jeff Smith, and Phil Roethle wowed the Triad Community Kitchen student judges with their Baked Salmon with Fennel and Red Pepper Pesto. Second place food prize went to Chefs Terry Williams and Will Bryant and their Tacos de Carnitas, while last year’s overall winner, Dr. Michael Lalor, came in third place with his Pork Belly with Jicama.

 

 

 

The event on March 17 showcased the talents of 24 local amateur celebrity chefs who cooked for nearly 400 guests at Bridger Field House. More than $140,000 was raised to help the Family House provide a compassionate, affordable place to stay for patients and caregivers who travel to Forsyth County for treatment or medical care. The Family House opens its doors to more than 4,500 patients and their caregivers each year.

“Bravo/a to all involved at the SECU Family House,” said Michael P. Lischke, EdD, MPH, Wake Forest School of Medicine, and Men Who Cook winner.

“I can see how and why the event has become the ‘go to fundraiser’ in our community.  It’s fun.  It’s relaxed.  There are no lengthy speeches.  Just people having a super casual good time eating and drinking.”

 

 

Chefs also accepted “tips” online and at the event, raising over $42,000 combined. The Chef’s Hat Award for the most online tips went to Chefs Billy Hinshaw and Tony Kamnick for raising $6,375. Chefs Rabbi Mark Cohn and Father Steve Rice took home the People’s Choice Award for the most tips collected at the event $900.

 

 

“With humble gratitude we are so thankful for the chefs and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this an incredible evening for everyone,” said Kathy Carr, executive director, Family House. “And to the guests and donors, we are extremely appreciative of how you all support us in so many ways as we extend hospitality and care for the thousands of adult patients and caregivers traveling to Forsyth County for healthcare each year.”

 

The Family House has hosted guests from 95 North Carolina counties and 41 states, and over 27,000 patients since opening in 2011. For guests unable to afford the nominal overnight fee, an assistance fund is available, thanks to donations and fundraising events like Men Who Cook.

Major sponsors of Men Who Cook include Wake Forest Baptist Health, Novant Health, Visit Winston-Salem, Winston-Salem Journal, and Publix Super Markets Charities.

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