A multitude of men are gearing up to show off their cooking skills later this month in an event to raise money for children in Emporia.
About 35 cooks so far have signed up for Real Men Can Cook, an event to raise money for Hi-Noon Kiwanis to benefit Emporia youth activities.
The event will take place on Oct. 22 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Flint Hills Technical College.
Each participating cook will provide a recipe for the dish he is preparing, and all recipes will be compiled into a cookbook to be offered for sale later.
Tickets will be available to the general public for $6. The tickets will allow the public to visit with the cooks and sample the dishes that are being prepared.
Culinary treats of all kinds will be prepared at the event, according to Hi-Noon Kiwanis president Jean Tidwell.
“There are some that will make meat dishes, some that will make desserts, vegetable dishes, anything they want,” Tidwell said. “There are no limitations, and it’s even open to professional cooks, people who would like to demonstrate their culinary abilities.”
The idea for the event came from Jim Heasley, who was involved with a different Kiwanis chapter in another state.
“They used it for a fundraiser there and it was very successful,” Tidwell said. “So he brought the idea here and we wanted to try it.”
The event is geared toward male cooks, though there will be women helping, Tidwell said.
“There are a lot of men out there who really like to cook, and this is just to kind of give them some recognition as well,” Tidwell said.
Tickets for the event are available at Price Chopper, 2703 W. Highway 50; both Reeble’s Country Marts, at 1020 Merchant St. and 115 Commercial St.; and from any member of Hi-Noon Kiwanis.
Those who wish to participate in the event can make arrangements by calling Tidwell at 366-1115.
In addition to the good food and the fun, the event will give people the opportunity to help the community in rough times.
“We’re hoping this really evolves and can be a major fundraiser for us, because the needs in the community are growing and the financial wherewithal to meet those needs in the community is dwindling,” Tidwell said. “We’re looking for ways that we can help meet some of the needs of the kids in our area.”