10th annual Men Who Cook is sure to be all in good taste

Staff report

BOARDMAN

Catholic Charities Regional Agency announces that the 10th annual Men Who Cook event, “Country Kitchen,” will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Antone’s Banquet Centre, 8578 Market St.

During the benefit, notable area men prepare their favorite dishes for sampling by those who attend, and 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.

Tickets for Men Who Cook cost $50 per person and include food and an open bar. For information or to buy tickets for the event or for the country concert giveaway, visit www.menwhocook.org or call 330-744-3320.

Some of the chefs are Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini; Youngstown Mayor John McNally; Bob Hannon of United Way; WFMJ meteorologist Andrew DiPaolo; Danny Catullo, owner of Catullo Prime Meats; Mahoning County Auditor Ralph Meacham; Greg Haren of Enertech Electrical Inc.; Mahoning County Treasurer Dan Yemma; Michael Rulli of Rulli Bros. Supermarkets; the Rev. John Keehner, pastor of St. Christine Church; Mahoning County Engineer Pat Ginnetti; and Jeff Janci, owner of Cookie Creations.

Some of the judges are Lauren Lindvig of WFMJ; Roxann Sebest of United Way; Judge Shirley Christian; Judge Maureen Sweeney; and Casey Malone, host of “The Casey Malone Show” on WFMJ and WBCB.

Todd and Julie Sardich are event co-chairmen, and leading sponsors are the DeBartolo Corp. and the medical staff at Mercy Health.

The event will feature a variety of auction items and raffles. Among the prizes are two reserved seats for every show in the Country Megaticket Series, which runs from May through September at First Niagara Pavilion, and VIP parking donated by Live Nation.

The event will benefit the Emergency Assistance Program, which combines material and financial assistance with advocacy efforts to people in need regardless of their religious beliefs. Last year the program benefited more than 25,000 people in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties. Since Men Who Cook was introduced, it has raised more than $300,000 for the program.

Sponsorships, donations and auction items are still needed. Sponsorship levels range from $250 to $5,000, and program advertising is available for $100.