Men who cook stir up competition and funds for emergency program

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Special to The Vindicator

GOOD COOKS: Catholic Charities Regional Agency’s 2009 Men Who Cook competition took place recently at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Hall to raise money for the Emergency Assistance Program. Above are winners of the Judges’ Choice Award, from left, Dr. John Venglarcik, medical director of the Mahoning County Board of Health, and Matt Stefanak, Mahoning County Health commissioner, along with Nancy Voitus, executive director of CCRA, and Dr. Cindy Kravec and Dr. Jim Kravec, co-chairs of the event. Below are the People’s Choice winners, Dr. Steve Swain, and Dr. Patrick Skarote, center, flanked by the Kravecs.

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YOUNGSTOWN — Catholic Charities Regional Agency announces the winners of the 2009 Men Who Cook fundraiser.

The fourth annual contest took place May 15 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Hall.

The event offered 20 samples of local amateur male chefs’ culinary talents, including appetizers, soups, side dishes, main courses and desserts.

The 2009 Judges’ Choice Award recipient selected by the seven female judges was Caribbean Chicken with Black Beans, Sweet Potato and Lime, prepared by Mahoning County Health Commissioner Matt Stefanak and Mahoning County Board of Health Medical Director Dr. John Venglarcik.

Grandma Shorty’s Potato Soup was the dish chosen for People’s Choice honors. It was created by Dr. Patrick Skarote and Dr. Steve Swain.

Money raised through this event helps Catholic Charities Regional Agency’s Emergency Assistance program. The program assists individuals and families with utility payments, rent, food and life-sustaining medications.