Come Sail Away with Men Who Cook

Staff report

BOARDMAN

Catholic Charities Regional Agency announces that its ninth annual Men Who Cook event, Come Sail Away, is planned for 6 to 10 p.m. May 9 at Antone’s Banquet Center, 8578 Market St.

Notable Valley men will prepare their favorite dishes for sampling by those who attend. A panel of prominent women will judge the dishes. Mike Case and Jennifer Brindisi of 21 WFMJ-TV will serve as master and mistress of ceremonies.

The fundraiser will benefit the Emergency Assistance Program, which combines material and financial assistance with advocacy efforts to people in need. Last year the program helped more than 25,000 people in the tri-county area. The Men Who Cook event has raised more than $250,000 for the program.

Chefs this year include John McNally, Youngstown mayor; Bob Hannon of the United Way; The Rev. John-Michael Lavell; Damon Maloney and Ryan Halicki of WYTV; Eric Wolford, Youngstown State University head football coach; Mike Sciortino, Mahoning County auditor; Greg Haren, Enertech Electrical Inc. CEO; Anthony Traficanti, Mahoning County commissioner; Merv Hollander, president of WeatherTite Windows; Dan Yemma, Mahoning County treasurer; Michael Rulli of Rulli Brothers supermarkets; and Jeff Janci, owner of Cookie Creations.

Some of the notable judges this year are Roxann Sebest and Ginny Pasha of the United Way; Judges Kay Woods and Maureen Sweeney; and Casey Malone, host of WFMJ’s and WBCB’s “The Casey Malone Show.”

Todd and Julie Sardich are co-chairmen of the event.

The DeBartolo Corp. is the leading sponsor. The event will feature a variety of auction items and raffles, including a Caribbean cruise giveaway for two. Tickets for the event are $50 per person and include an open bar and an entry for a special door prize.

Men Who Cook is still looking for sponsors, donations and auction items to help make the event a success. Sponsorships range from $250 to $5,000 and program advertising is available for $100.

For information or to buy tickets for the event or cruise giveaway, visit www.menwhocook.org or call 330-744-3320. All help is appreciated.