Fundraiser fires up local amateur chefs

Guests will sample culinary specialties, and there will be raffles and a Chinese auction.

YOUNGSTOWN — “All Fired Up” is the theme for the third annual “Men Who Cook” fundraiser sponsored by Catholic Charities Regional Agency.

The event is scheduled for April 18 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Hall, 343 Via Mount Carmel, with Dan Rivers, WKBN radio talk show host, as master of ceremonies.

Among the amateur chefs are state Rep. Ron Gerberry, Judge Gene Donofrio, Mahoning County Commissioner John McNally, A.C. McCullough, Drs. Dan and Vincent Ricchiuti, Dr. Mark Memo, Monsignor Michael Cariglio, Monsignor John Zuraw, the Rev. John Keehner, Mahoning County Auditor Mike Sciortino and Austintown Trustee David Ditzler. Judges will be Nancy Wardle, a spokeswoman for Sparkle Markets; Dr. Melinda Smith; and Liberty Trustee Jodi Stoyak.

Those attending will have an opportunity to fill the tip jar of their favorite cook, to help him compete for the People’s Choice Award.

Drawings will be for a Washington D.C. package, which was donated by Tim Ryan For Congress and includes $200 toward one night’s accommodation and lunch at the Congressional Dining Room with Congressman Ryan, and a gourmet dinner for six, prepared by the 2007 People’s Choice Award winners, the Revs. James Korda and Thomas Eiswerth. Tickets are $10 each. Also featured at the event will be a Chinese auction.

Tickets for the evening are $35 per person. For tickets or information call (330) 744-3320.