Serving Up Comfort At Men Who Cook!
Men Who Cook returns for its 11th year on Saturday, August 15. This crowd-favorite event brings together local amateur chef teams for an unforgettable evening of delicious food, friendly competition, and community impact, all benefiting the SECU Family House and the patients and families it serves.
Made possible by Presenting Sponsor, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, guests will sample a wide variety of dishes from appetizers to desserts and vote for their favorites by tipping chef teams. Awards will be given in categories such as Best Taste, Most Tips Raised, Fan Favorite, and more!
All proceeds help the Family House provide affordable lodging and support services for referred adult patients and caregivers who travel to Winston-Salem for medical treatment. Guests come for many reasons ranging from outpatient cancer treatment to transplant recovery to general surgery, trauma care, burns, and ongoing specialized care.
More than just a place to stay, the Family House is a softer place to land with volunteer-provided meals, round-trip transportation to both hospitals, visits with therapy dogs, art and wellness activities, game nights, and the reassurance of being close to care.
Every ticket, table, sponsorship, and tip at Men Who Cook supports the welcoming and restful environment families rely on during medical treatment. In 2025, $180,000 was raised at Men Who Cook, providing 4,000 room-nights of comfort and care for families facing some of the hardest moments of their lives.
“This fun event is so impactful,” said Executive Director Alexandra Salas. “It brings our community together to provide support for thousands of caregivers and patients. While guests pay just $45 a night, it costs $115 to operate each room. That gap is real and is filled by people who believe that no one should have to choose between getting treatment and having a place to stay. That’s the kind of impact a single night can create.”
Tickets are $100 per person, and reserved tables that seat 10 are available for $1,500. Individuals and couples may also support Men Who Cook as Wooden Spoon Sponsors, a meaningful $500 sponsorship opportunity.