Since November 2011, I have been jumping up and down, waving my arms like a mad woman, yelling about 50 Men Who Cook. A fundraiser for Suicide Prevention Services of America. I think I may have lost a few Facebook friends due to my frequent posts about the event (said with a smile). It's an event and an organization I am passionate about.
Suicide Prevention Services of America, also known as SPS, is . There are only 7 agencies like SPS in the entire country. SPS provides training for an 24-hour phone crisis line, training to the public (individuals, teachers, doctors, firemen, police officers), counseling, depression screening, and more. Its reach extends far beyond Batavia to communities including Yorkville, Oswego, Montgomery, Wheaton, Naperville, Lisle, Geneva, St. Charles, Woodridge, and Elmhurst.
My mom, Stephanie Weber, founded the organization. She is the Executive Director. My family is committed to preventing suicide.
According to my mom, there are an average of 5 people a week walking in the door to SPS needing help. The numbers are increasing with the state of the world today.
The funds from 50 Men Who Cook go directly to SPS, a non-profit organization. The funds are used to sustain programs in the schools, provide counseling to families who would otherwise not be able to afford it, and provide training to the community to prevent suicide.
50 Men Who Cooked featured men from all walks of life: Chefs, Editors, Fathers, Brothers, Friends, Mayors, and more. Mayor Gary Golinski of Yorkville and Mayor George Pradel of Naperville were among the cooks at the event this year. In addition, Kurt Becker, 1985 Superbowl Champion Chicago Bear Football Player, also cooked. Jillian Duchnowski, Editor of the Yorkville Patch, and Charles Menchaca, Editor of the Batavia Patch, made chocolate mustaches. The mustaches were a great delight for the guests.
The event was a huge success. Bill Tarver, lead chairperson for the event, had mentioned the event being similar to planning a wedding. That to review it after in pictures was going to reveal its success. It was definitely successful.
Cooks were awarded in different categories for the popularity of their dishes. Among the winners were Chris Kline, a professional Chef for Sara Lee. Chris won in his category and also as the best overall dish for the evening.
A HUGE thank you to all who cooked, attended, volunteered, and more. Without events like this, SPS would cease to exist.
Donations can be made to SPS by clicking here. SPS is a non-profit organization.
Please join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/spsfv
Save the date for next year. Interested in cooking next year? We are beginning to recruit cooks for 2013. Please email: info@spsamerica.org
Thank you to ALL.
Truly, Jen Slepicka, SPS Event photographer.
