By Kathy Chouteau
As the Bay Area Girls Club (BAGC) celebrates 50 years of empowering girls ages 5-18, chefs will be stepping up to support them via the “Men Who Cook” fundraiser Sunday, Aug. 31 from 2-5 p.m. at Richmond’s Galileo Club.
Men Who Cook brings in 12-20 volunteer amateur and professional chefs to flex their culinary skills, while raising awareness and funds for the BAGC.
“The concept is simple: Each participant signs up to make an appetizer, entree or side dish…and it’s a food tasting event,” said BAGC Executive Director Tiffany Harris. “So it’s a way to bring the community in and taste food.”
Along with the food tastings, beer/wine, music, an auction and more are all part of the mix.
The nonprofit is expecting at least 150 attendees at the upcoming fundraiser, which is in its third year. People of all ages are welcome to attend, said Harris.
This year, returning chefs signing on to sizzle up support include Jamin Pursell, Beenfat Newman, Brendan Moore and others who will prepare cuisine including BBQ, potato salad, chicken & waffles, bruschetta with peas & ricotta, chopped pork salad, chicken thigh skewers with peanut sauce and other enticing menu items.
There’s still time for men to “whip up their signature dish, share a taste and raise money for BAGC,” until Friday, Aug. 15, according to the nonprofit. To see what the BAGC provides for participating chefs, vs. what they are expected to provide, check out the flyer. To participate, contact (510) 730-9178 or [email protected].
The event’s raffle will feature a wealth of donated desirables, such as a Beauty Product Basket valued at $300, Wellness Basket from 7 Stars Holistic Healing Center, a Bar Swag Pack with drink coins from The Factory Bar, a T-shirt signed by basketball greats Gary Payton II and his father, Gary Payton, wine/food baskets and more.
Other ways to help include purchasing one ticket for $50; purchasing a Celebration Table, including 8 tickets and more for $500; being a Silver Star Sponsor, including 4 tickets and more for $1,000; being a Gold Star Sponsor, including 6 tickets and more for $2,500; or being a Platinum Star Sponsor including 8 Tickets and more for $5,000. Purchase tickets and learn about the sponsorships here.
Since the nonprofit is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Harris said they’re adding a few components to the event, such as the opportunity to purchase the aforementioned Celebration Table and decorate it as wanted. The nonprofit will provide the table with a bottle of red and white wine, as well as “some other little trinkets,” she said.
Harris shared that the event’s concept came about from BAGC Board Member Lou Schuster, who attended a similar, “fantastic” event in New York.
“I thought this event was a good way to show unity between men and women, and that our men in our community do support our girls,” said Harris, noting it also sets a good example for the girls, who are encouraged by the BAGC toward college and careers.
The Richmond Rotary Club, EBMUD and The Factory Bar are top sponsors of the fundraising event. Proceeds benefit the BAGC, which shares on its website that it uplifts girls to be game changers for the future through programming that develops life skills, encourages curiosity and discourse, and fosters community.
The location of the event, the Galileo Club, is located at 371 23rd Street in Richmond. Learn more about the BAGC.
