(Chicago) -- Real Men Cook, the nation's
longest running, largest urban Father's Day event, will deliver its winning
recipe for supporting charitable and nonprofit organizations in Chicago
this year with the participation of presenting sponsor. The Home Depot,
the worlds largest home improvement retailer. Real Men Cook is an event
of Chicago Tribune Charities, a fund of McCormick Tribune Foundation. The
event will continue spotlighting local men who donate time and resources
to cook and serve samples of their favorite dishes.
The annual celebration of family, food
and community will take place from 3-6 PM this Father's Day, June 18, at
the South Shore Cultural Center, 71st & South Shore Drive.
Organizers, Kofi and Yvette Moyo, say that
in addition to offering a wholesome community-friendly alternative for
celebrating Father's Day, the event is also a real value. "The price of
admission allows visitors to stop at each station and taste treats prepared
by the over 150 volunteer chefs expected to participate," explains Kofi
Moyo, event co-founder who as "The Original Real Man" is himself a major
annual attraction at the Chicago Real Men Cook event. "No additional ticket
purchases will be required to sample the food or consume the beverages
during the event. However, we are delighted to introduce two exciting new
attractions to Real Men Cook in Chicago. In addition to the food, the entertainment
and activities for children we will have a morning golf outing and an evening
concert!"
Committee members plan to elicit the participation
of businessmen, radio and television personalities, elected officials,
community leaders, sports figures and everyday men who want to positively
impact their communities.
Proceeds from the Father's Day fundraiser
will benefit Chicago Tribune Charities, which supports such organizations
as The Community Mental Health Council.
This year marks the 11th anniversary of
this successful Chicago-based event, and the second time the annual celebration
expands to other urban areas across the country. The success of the Chicago
Real Men Cook event is viewed as a key to sending positive messages out
nationally regarding men in urban communities.
"For years, African American men throughout
the country have shown that they want to provide for their families and
communities," says Moyo. "Real Men Cook offers another avenue to strengthen
this already strong family value system and sends the message that real
men work, real men provide, real men care and real men cook!"
While the celebration focuses on men's
contributions, women are also expected to play a big part in the success
of Real Men Cook. "We are counting on Chicago-area women to recognize Real
Men Cook as a real treat for them and their families by purchasing plenty
of tickets," offers Moyo. "By supporting this event they help celebrate
the spirit of African American men as they reaffirm their commitment to
providing for their communities on a day set aside for honoring fathers."
Real Men Cook organizers add that support
from sponsors such as the national presenting sponsor, The Home Depot and
local presenting sponsors, Vl03 Radio, NBC Channel 5 Chicago, Jewel-Osco,
A-1 Steak Sauce and Lawry's enhance the event's ability to raise funds
that support the charitable and nonprofit organizations.
The South Shore Cultural Center is one
of the most beautiful settings in Chicago and this year's Real Men Cook
activities are scheduled from the cultural center's golf course to its
theater and from sun up to sun down. The Chicago Park District property
will allow no vehicles inside the front gate the day of the event and a
massive public transportation, free parking and shuttle plan have been
devised with cooperation from Mayor Richard Daley's office to ensure the
public's enjoyment of the Father's Day celebration.
Community Mental Health Council is located
at 87th & Constance. Firmly rooted in the African American community
it is deeply committed to the care and improvement of the mental health
of city residents.
For ticket and sponsorship information
for the Real Men Cook fundraising event, contact the Community Mental Health
Council at 773-734-4033, or visit the Real Men Cook web site at www.realmencook.com.
In Chicago Real Men Cook is an event of the Chicago Tribune Charities,
a Fund of the Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation, which supports Community
Mental Health Council and other charitable organizations. Volunteer Cooks
may register to cook until May 30.