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Childhelp’s ‘25 Men Who Think They Can Cook’ fundraiser nets over $56,000

Proceeds to support Childhelp’s child abuse treatment and prevention programs

Posted 12/22/19

Childhelp, a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse, celebrated its 25 Men Who Think They Can Cook event at the Original Aunt Chilada’s.

With about …

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Childhelp’s ‘25 Men Who Think They Can Cook’ fundraiser nets over $56,000

Proceeds to support Childhelp’s child abuse treatment and prevention programs

Posted

Childhelp, a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse, celebrated its 25 Men Who Think They Can Cook event at the Original Aunt Chilada’s.

With about 300 people in attendance, this fundraiser netted a record of more than $56,000 for Childhelp programs and services in Arizona, according to a press release.

The culinary fundraiser, hosted by the Childhelp Phoenix Chapter, included flavorful dishes created by local celebrities, business leaders and athletes.

Local celebrities in attendance included former NFL Quarterback Donovan McNabb and Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone. The night was filled with lively music, friendly competition, a live auction and lots of enticing hors d’oeuvres.

“The fact that year after year we are able to bring all of this talent together to not only put on such a highly anticipated day of fun, good food and friendly competition, but to also raise funds and awareness for children in need is incredible,” said Kathy Emig, Childhelp Arizona Chapter Director. “We are very fortunate to be able to count on our community for this type of support --- support that will make a lasting impact on young lives here in the Valley.”

The 25 Men Who Think They Can Cook celebrity chefs included former Arizona Cardinals player Michael Bankston, Arizona Supreme Court Justice Bill Montgomery, MLB pitcher Brad Boxberger, former NASCAR driver Paulie Harraka, MLB pitching coach Mike Butcher, Grumpy from Bikers Against Child Abuse, co-creator of “Chicken Soup for the Soul” Mark Victor Hansen, and many more.

The chefs competed for bragging rights in six different categories: soup, salad, appetizer, entrée, dessert and the coveted “People’s Choice Award.”

In addition to the celebrity studded lineup, the judges of the event were professional culinary connoisseurs from around Phoenix including: Chef Tiffany Nagel, Tina Bennet, Patrick Riegel, Frank Gonzales and Tai Obata.

The winners of the evening included Mike Butcher, who won for his varieties of Brick Oven Fired Pizza; David Cogan, who came away winning the Best Dessert for his Brownies; and Al Molina won best appetizers for his empanadas.

Bikers Against Child Abuse won the coveted People’s Choice Award. For the second year in a row, Michael Meyer of Visiongate won for his soup and, last but not least, Bob Harrison won for Best Entrée.

Since 1998, the Childhelp Children’s Center of Arizona has served over 140,000 abused and neglected children by providing treatment, intervention and investigation services.

The center’s programs, which directly serve abused children and their families, focus on meeting the children’s physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs.

It is estimated that five children die each day from abuse and neglect in the United States, and for nearly six decades, Childhelp has worked to combat this epidemic. Proceeds raised from this event directly benefit Childhelp programs and services in Arizona.