Annual cook-off at Hotel Syracuse to benefit the Mental Health Association,  Organizers looking for additional chef teams.

The Mental Health Association of Onondaga County will present its 19th edition of Men Who Cook on Friday, April 27, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at the Hotel Syracuse.  The fundraising event, which has been held annually for almost two decades, recruits Central New York businessmen, local celebrities, and elected officials to prepare and serve tastings of a huge variety of multicultural appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. Proceeds from Men Who Cook help support the Mental Health Association’s local education, information, and advocacy programs.

The Mental Health Association provides over 5,500 confidential referrals each year to individuals, families, and health care providers in search of mental health related services. The nonprofit agency also administers community educational programs, such as Children 1st!, Anger Management, and the Parent Partner Program for Eating Disorders.

A wide range of area organizations will be represented by chef teams at the event.  Dan  Queri and Mark Congel of C. L. Evers & Co. will offer event patrons an appetizer of Calamari Salad, while father and son team Ed and Nathan Moser of Rural/Metro Medical Services will serve up BBBQ Beans & Cornbread. Another father/son team, Dr. Reid T. Muller and Reid C. Muller, representing St. Joseph’s Hospital Cardiology Associates, will prepare Gumbo Redux. Onondaga County Executive Nicholas Pirro, who is marking his 19th year as a Men Who Cook volunteer, will serve his traditional Italian dish, this year named Arrivederci Meatballs. Other local leaders include City of Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll, Onondaga County Legislator Chairman Dale Sweetland,  Dewitt Democratic Committee Member Dan Maffei, and Former NYS Assembly Member Jeff Brown.

The evening will also feature live jazz by Ronnie Leigh, and a silent auction of products and services donated by local companies and cultural organizations. 

Men Who Cook includes a Best Dish competition adjudicated by an all-women judge team, including Marianne Ferris of Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, Reid Sullivan of Family Times, Sara Wall Bollinger of Enable, Kathy Rowe of Y94FM, Peggy Fabic of United Way, and many more prominent local women.

Men Who Cook XIX’s major corporate sponsors are Bristol-Myers Squibb, Laboratory Alliance of Central New York, Wegmans, BPA-Harbridge, Atlas Health Care Linen Services, and Summerwood Pediatrics. Media sponsors are Clear Channel Radio, CNY Business Journal, WAER, and Syracuse New Times.

There are still a few openings for chef teams. Companies or businesses for business and professional men who are interested in participating or companies who want to sponsor a chef team to call (315) 445-5606 as soon as possible for more details. Tickets are $45 each or $160 for a 4-pack, and may be purchased by calling MHA at (315) 445-5606, or visiting www.mha-oc.org.

MHA is offering a special discount for college students, who can purchase tickets for $20 with a current student ID. The order deadline for student-priced tickets is April 25.  College groups interested in sending a chef team to Men Who Cook can call (315) 445-5606 for more information.