March 30, 2017

Ninth annual Men Who Cook draws largest, hungriest crowd in its history, shatters fundraising record for Will County Children’s Advocacy Center

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow announces that the 9th annual Men Who Cook culinary competition to benefit the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center was the biggest and best ever, with a huge crowd sampling the finest cuisine offered by our amateur chefs.

More than 1,000 guests, by all counts a record-smashing Men Who Cook turnout, tasted the widest variety of entrees, side dishes, appetizers, and desserts offered by a roster of new chefs and returning favorites on March 25 at the Pipefitters Training Center.

State’s Attorney James Glasgow with the 2017 Men Who Cook Best Display First Place Winners, the Channahon Police Department’s Craig Gunty, Channahon Mayor Missey Schumacher, Andrew McClellan, Paul Potts, and Brian Wellner. The Ninth annual Men Who Cook culinary competition to benefit the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center drew the largest and hungriest crowd in its history and shattered a fundraising record.

In addition, the 2017 Men Who Cook shattered a record by raising $100,000 that will fund the not-for-profit Will County Children’s Advocacy Center, which provides hope, healing and justice for children who are the victims of sexual abuse.

“Our amateur chefs outdid themselves this year with amazing dishes that enthralled the largest and hungriest crowd in the history of Men Who Cook,” said State’s Attorney Glasgow. “I have never tasted so much great food in one location. Each year I find it more difficult to decide which dishes I enjoyed the best.”

The hungry crowd voted online to determine who would take home ribbons as this year’s award-winning chefs:

• Entrée – Joseph Angelo Garbin, Mediterranean Pork Tenderloin with Homemade Pita and Tzatziki Sauce;
• Side Dish – Channahon Police Department, Craig Gunty, Andrew McClellan, Paul Potts, and Brian Wellner, Voodoo Mac & Cheese;
• Appetizer – Tie; Duffy Blackburn, Bacon-Wrapped Dates; and Tom Grotovsky, Beef Tenderloin Bits Au Poivre;
• Dessert – Chris Dieter, Red Velvet Churros;
• Best Display – Channahon Police Department, Craig Gunty, Andrew McClellan, Paul Potts, and Brian Wellner.

Entrée First Place Winner Joseph Angelo Garbin (second from right), with serving helpers Karen Rende Shinners, Debbie Garbin and Scott Shinners.

• Entrée – Second, Frankfort Police Department, Smoked Beef Brisket; Third, Patrick Magee and Marty Swart, Ecolab, Applewood Barbecue Chicken and Baked Beans;
• Appetizer – Second, John Dieter, Sausage Cups; Third, Michael DiTola, D'Arcy Motors, Mike's Fabulous Swine (Candied Bacon);
• Side Dish – Second, The Marcums, Mac and Cheese; Third, Kris A Cheranichit, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Asian Sausage and Papaya Salad;
• Dessert – Second, Will County Executive Larry Walsh, Irene's Famous Caramels; Third, Crest Hill Mayor Ray Soliman, Potica;
• Best Display – Second, Will County F.O.O.L.S; Third, Raymond Boutté, Citgo Lemont Refinery.

This year, State’s Attorney Glasgow also presented Ann Dralle with the first annual Glen Marcum Selfless Dedication to Community Service Award. Glen devoted countless hours of time each year to the Joliet community in roles that touched many lives. He was particularly dedicated to serving the community’s children, ensuring they had first-rate educational and recreational opportunities.

A former Will County Board member and a member of the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center’s Board of Directors, Dralle embodies the spirit of community service that was a hallmark of the late Glen’s life. In addition, the State’s Attorney presented the Marcum family with a statuette commemorating the first award given in Glen’s honor.

The State’s Attorney also presented statuettes to Men Who Cook’s presenting sponsors: “D” Construction; Ed Czerkies; Midland States Bank; and Laborers International Local #2.

State’s Attorney Glasgow established the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center in 1995 to improve the investigation of child sexual abuse cases. The center’s professionally trained and compassionate staff performs child-sensitive interviews when there are allegations of sexual or severe physical abuse. Children’s recorded statements have been used in the successful prosecution of thousands of predators. The caring team also has provided counseling, advocacy services, and medical referrals for nearly 10,000 sexually and severely abused children and their family members.

The State’s Attorney founded the center as a 501-c-3 not-for-profit organization so it will not impact taxpayers. As a result, the center relies on grants, foundations and fundraisers like “Men Who Cook” to fulfill its important mission.