Patterson Rotary Club Hosts 20th Annual 'Men Who Cook'

From the Patterson Rotary Club of New York:

On Saturday, April 30, the Patterson Rotary Club hosted its 20th annual “Men Who Cook!” to a sold-out crowd at the Starr Ridge Banquet and Conference Center. This year proved even more successful than the last, and all the money raised goes to not-for-profits, worthy organizations and scholarships in the local tri-county area.

Attendee Bill Hammond said, "It's so much fun you forget you're at a fundraiser".

More than 35 chefs impressed the room with a tasting, buffet style, of their specialties ranging from appetizers to entrees and, of course, desserts. When the dinner bell rang, the room of gourmands headed to their favorite culinary delights to fill their plates, often with a little friendly pushing and shoving so as not to miss out! Maps for all the food stations were on every table, and hungry foodies carefully planned out their dinnertime strategy. Crowd-pleasers included smoked salmon, a whole hog, prime rib, northern smoked pulled pork sandwich, stuffed shrimp, marinated organic vegetables, gelato, chocolate tart and so much more.

“I love working at this event every year. Chairperson Michael Ingber is such a foodie with so much attention to detail; it is always the food event of the year. I love seeing so many happy people come together and have fun. It can be easy to forget that we are also raising thousands of dollars to help support veterans, homeless, food pantries, animal shelters, education, health initiatives and so many other important causes. Whether you are talking about the attendees or the dishes served, every year, I get to experience some of my old favorites and gain some new favorites too” says Patterson Rotary Club President Bill Flash.

A favorite part of the annual event, the raffle prizes and special silent and live auctions, were another huge hit with the crowd, raising approximately $8,000. Some of this year’s prizes included a limo trip and four tickets to the Yankees/Red Sox game, a Michael Kors purse, 99 bottles of beer, a foursome at the exclusive Edgewood Country Club in New Jersey, a mysterious Pandora’s Box, a home casino-style game table, wine rack full of wine, couples massage and the grand prize of $1,000 cash.

A number of the tables were purchased by local Putnam businesses and organizations such as Tomkins Mahopac Bank, Putnam Dental Associates, Kobackers Market and supportive local Rotary Clubs.

Men Who Cook is one of three annual events hosted by the Patterson Rotary Club. The popular and family-friendly Blues & BBQ is coming up in September, followed by the kid favorite (big and little) Touch a Truck in October.

Further information is available through the Patterson Rotary website through the Men Who Cook link.

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in more 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.