Men Who Cook! Fundraising Event

Initial Posting: Mar 01, 2005 Purpose The Monticello Area Community Action Agency has developed Men Who Cook! to promote community support and awareness of the agency’s efforts and to raise funds for program support. Description The Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA) hosts Men Who Cook! (MWC!) as the agency’s signature annual fundraising event.  The concept of MWC! attracts support from a broad cross-section of the community.  The uniqueness of MWC!, the event, is through the involvement of men from all sectors of the community who serve as volunteer chefs.  The event quickly developed a significant following and has raised as much as $35,000 in a single year to support MACAA’s programs.  The net amount of proceeds varies according to each year’s costs and proceeds.  Building strong sponsor support is critical for success.  Women Who Golf! is MACAA’s other chief fundraising special event. A similar event is sponsored by one other CAA: Men Who Cook – TEAM, Inc. (CT) – Developed to serve as the annual TEAM-signature fundraising event.  The first year in 2008 was a fabulous success.  It featured dining, dancing, open bar, silent auction, and raffle, raised over $28,000 and brought TEAM 54 new volunteers. Endorsement by the agency’s Board is the first step to develop the event.  This leads to establishing a Men Who Cook! Steering Committee involving Board, staff and community volunteers.  A Board member might be designated as the initial chairperson of the Steering Committee unless an impassioned community volunteer is available.  A high-profile Honorary Chairperson could also be designated. Times are flexible, but MACAA has scheduled MWC! for a Saturday evening beginning at 6:00 PM.  Chefs are asked…