24-Hour Helpline
(920) 729-5727
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services
P.O. Box 99
Neenah, WI 54957-0099
Phone: (920) 235-5998
Fax: (920) 729-0690
For 10 years, it has been challenging men to don aprons, ready a recipe and command a kitchen to help end abuse. Now, the 10th annual "Men Who Cook For Christine Ann" is set for Saturday, June 26 -- mark your calendars and join us for what readers of the Oshkosh Northwestern have, for two consecutive years, labeled "Best Local Charity Event" in the newspaper's "Best of Oshkosh" reader awards.
Those who attended the 9th annual Men Who Cook for Christine Ann last June were treated to a mouthwatering, culinary trip around the world. The event not only featured a first-ever international theme but also a record-breaking 64 chefs serving up exquisite samples that spanned the globe from Ireland to Thailand.
On June 27, 2009 at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's Reeve Memorial Union, an enthusiastic group of men from around the Fox Valley came together to once again share not only their love of cooking, but also their common goal of helping victims of domestic abuse break free from the cycle of abuse. And, they once again showed the community that men can cook. Using exquisite culinary skills, the men shared samples of their favorite international appetizers, entrees, side dishes and desserts (as well a few domestic dishes) to over 400 guests amidst relaxing entertainment, silent and live auctions, and more. Thanks to the support of these amazing chefs along with the generosity of the event sponsors, donors and volunteers, Christine Ann raised over $70,000!
"Men Who Cook" is a key fundraising event for Christine Ann; it also helps draw attention to the fact that domestic violence remains a serious issue in our communities. Just as importantly, it is part of the agency's efforts to more actively engage men in the work to end violence against women.
Said first-time chef Wade Paffenroth, Oshkosh, "I have always admired the work of the Christine Ann Center and this event in particular. I really enjoy cooking and every year I found myself saying that I would like to volunteer for this event. As the old saying goes, there is no time like the present, and I decided that this was the right time to finally get involved. I hope that this small effort on my part can help further the cause and inspire more men to get involved in this event!"
The agency would like to thank 2009 Executive Chef Sponsors Affinity Health Systems, C.R. Meyer and Sons, Castle Pierce Printing, Citizens First Credit Union, and Menasha Corporation Foundation. Media Sponsors include Oshkosh Northwestern, WBAY TV-2, and Cumulus Broadcasting. It would also like to thank all of the supporting sponsors, donors, volunteers, attendees and most especially the over 60 chefs of Men Who Cook for Christine Ann.
Don't forget: Men Who Cook is back on June 26, 2010 - mark your calendars and join us for our 10th annual event!
Here are some images from the 9th Annual Men Who Cook for Christine Ann. All are courtesy of Weston Imaging Group LLC of Oshkosh.
To see more pictures from the 9th Annual Men Who Cook, become a fan of "Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services" on Facebook.