On June 17 while much of the world will pause to put the spotlight on
fathers, a special group of men will converge on RFK Stadium to selflessly
give of their time and culinary talents in support of the community. Now in
its third year in Washington, D.C., Real Men Cook is a unique Father's Day
celebration which began 12 years ago in Chicago. The event was initiated by
the husband and wife team of Kofi Moyo and Yvette Jackson Moyo, chief
executive officer and president of the Chicago-based marketing firm, Resource
Associates International, Ltd. (RAI).
Now the longest running African-American Father's Day event, Real Men Cook
was organized to provide a wholesome community-friendly and family-focused
alternative to the traditional Father's Day celebration. What began as a
single city event has now spread across the country and is fast becoming a
national tradition. In addition to Chicago, this year Real Men will be
cooking up a storm in Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles,
New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
On this their special day, fathers will participate in something that adds
real value to the community. Not only will they prepare their favorite
dishes, they will also serve samples of these tasty treats to those in
attendance. The event will provide wholesome family entertainment, affirm the
positive values of the African-American community and culture, as well as
raise funds to support local charities/non-profit organizations.
This year's beneficiaries are Communities in Schools of Washington, DC and
100 Black Men of Greater Washington, DC. The mandate of these two groups is
consistent with the underlying philosophy of Real Men Cook, both champion the
importance of caring and taking responsibility for our lives, our families
and community. In that regard Real Men Cook has taken on the initiatives to
encourage seat belt safety as well as stress the importance for
African-American men over 40 to get screened for prostate cancer.
As Real Men Cook co-founder Kofi Moyo reminded us, "Real Men Cook
participants have shown that despite highly publicized disturbing statistics
African-American men want to provide for their families and communities. It's
the epitome of the African-American family value system and it sends a
message that real men work, real men provide, real men care and real men
cook!"
Rod Sallay concurs. "This event speaks to the character of the men who
participate," said Sallay, area spokesman for Real Men Cook and CEO of
Creative Communication Concepts. "They spend their money to get the
ingredients for the dish they choose to make, they pay their $25 registration
fee and then they show up to serve the food. These are men who care, these
are men who are involved and are taking responsibility for their families and
community and who are prepared to support programs that support our
community."
Sallay, who will once again tantalize our taste buds with his "Deliteful
Cheesecake," said that it is an enriching experience for all the men who
participate and a celebration that the whole family can enjoy. He said that
for the price of admission you will be able to sample all the tasty treats
prepared by more than 30 chefs. In addition to the food, there will be other
interactive activities to keep everyone entertained. Children and adults can
participate in the Home Deport workshop where they can learn to build
everything from a toolbox or even a birdhouse for dad.
While the event focuses on the active contributions of men, women also play a
significant role in the success of Real Men Cook. "Real Men need Real Women
to participate because they are the majority of the ticket buyers," said
Sallay. And if the fundraising component is to be a success they will need
strong ticket sales. Women are also actively involved in a range of volunteer
capacity and also serve as the "cook's assistant" although Sallay said that
men are encouraged to reserve this role for their sons or a mentee, where
possible.
While the District's version of Real Men Cook has not yielded the kind of
turn-out organizers have hoped for, each year's participation and support
consistently grows. Organizers are also encouraged by the broad community
based support the Chicago event is now able to generate. There they had over
150 volunteer cooks and have been able to raise funds in excess of $117,000
-- a combination of corporate sponsorship and ticket sales.
The call goes out to all you amateur and not-so-amateur chefs to whip up your
favorite dish for the cause, and to all who enjoy good food to come on down
for the tasty treats and the community fellowship.
Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. To register
or to purchase tickets call the DC Real Men Cook hotline at 202-797-7709 or
the national information line at 877-973-2563. Your may also visit their
website at www.realmencook.com. |