Men Who Cook event set for April 30

Staff report

BOARDMAN

The 11th annual Men Who Cook event to be sponsored by the Catholic Charities Regional Agency will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. April 30 at Antone’s Banquet Center, 8578 Market St. Co-chairman for the event are Todd and Julie Sardich.

The theme for the evening will be “Back to the ’80s,” and notable men from the area will prepare their favorite dish to be sampled by those attending.

A panel of prominent women will serve as judges to bestow awards on various dishes for their special qualities.

Master and mistress of ceremonies will be 21 WFMJ-TV’s Mike Case and Jennifer Brindisi.

The event benefits the agency’s emergency assistance program, which combines material and financial assistance with advocacy efforts for people in need regardless of religious affiliation.

Last year, the program helped more than 25,000 people in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties. Since its inception, the Men Who Cook event as raised more than $350,000 toward the program.

Chefs that will cook for the event will include Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini; Bob Hannon of the United Way of Mahoning Valley; Andrew DiPaolo, WFMJ meteorologist; Ralph Meacham, Mahoning County auditor; Don Koenig, COO of Mercy Health; Dan Yemma, Mahoning County treasurer; the Rev. John Keehner, pastor of St. Christine Church; Pat Ginnetti, Mahoning County engineer; Anthony Traficanti, Mahoning County commissioner; Vince Furrie, president of Sparkle Market; Jeff Janci, owner of Cookie Creations; and Michael Rulli of Rulli Brothers markets.

Serving as judges this year are Megan Sovik, host of WFMJ’s Great Groceries; Lauren Landy of Central One Optical; Roxann Sebest of United Way of Mahoning Valley; Shirley Christian, Maureen Sweeney and Kay Woods, Mahoning county judges; and Casey Malone, host of “The Casey Malone Show” on WFMJ and WBCB.

Leading sponsors are The DeBartolo Corp., the medical staff at Mercy Health, Drs. Jim and Cindy Kravec and their children and the Mercy Health Foundation.

A variety of auction items and raffles will be featured, and live entertainment will be provided by 80’s Proof.

Tickets are $50 each and include food and an open bar. Tables are available for $400.

Sponsorships are still available and are being sought along with donations and auction items for the event. Sponsorship levels range from $250 to $7,500, and program advertising is available for $100.

For information or to purchase tickets, visit www.menwhocook.org, or call 330-744-3320.