50 Men Who Cook

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 20th annual 50 Men Who Cook a great success! Special thanks to our chefs, attendees, volunteers, event committee, sponsors & donors.

Join us for the 21st annual event!

August 9, 2025 | 6-9 PM
Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center at NIU

50 Men Who Cook 2024 Chef Winners

Appetizer

1st Place: Dan Pavelich | Fried Pickle Dip
2nd Place: Ray Hernandez | Top-Notch Tinga
3rd Place: David Brannstrom | A Trio World Tour of Meatballs/Sauces

Side Dish

1st Place: Brent McConnaughay | Creamed Spinach
2nd Place: Andrew Almburg | Texas Corn
3rd Place: Doug Breunlin | Cheesy Hashbrown Potatoes

Entree

1st Place: Wesley Lyons | Million Dollar Spaghetti
2nd Place: Travis Shaffer | Sizzlen' Sloppy Joes
3rd Place: Mike Verbic/Mike Rothamer | Honey Butter Chicken

Dessert

1st Place: Gavin Williams | Chocolate Cherry Cheesecakes
2nd Place: Austin Schroeder | Caramel Chocolate Chunk Cookies
3rd Place: Connor Hoste | Salted Caramel Brownie Parfait

Professional

People’s Choice Award: Cole Hookham/Obscurity Brewing | Salted Caramel Pork Spare Ribs
Food Critic Awards:
1st Place: Cole Hookham/Obscurity Brewing | Salted Caramel Pork Spare Ribs
2nd Place: Tom McCleary/Art and Alma's | Rustic Mashed Potatoes, Ribeye and Garlic Butter
3rd Place: Jordan Vaughan/Pizza. Beer. Whiskey. | Herbed Whipped Ricotta Marinara

Learn More

What

CASA’s signature fundraising event, 50 Men Who Cook, features 50+ men from the community who bring their best dish for guests to taste and vote for their favorite in each category. Enjoy good food, a cash bar, entertainment and raffle, all for a good cause.

When

August 9, 2025 | 6-9 PM

Where

Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center at NIU

Who

50 Men Who Cook is open to the public. Invite your friends and family along!

Why

To raise money to support CASA’s work of advocating for children who have experienced abuse or neglect in DeKalb County.

How

Tickets are $50 each or $45 each when you buy two or more before August 9.

Purchase tickets:

Online through August 8
In-person at the CASA Office
By mailing a check to CASA DeKalb County (308 W. State St. Ste 301, Sycamore, IL 60178)

Tickets are also available at the door on Aug. 9 for $50 each.

event timeline

6 PM - Doors Open, Tasting & Raffles Begin
8 PM - Voting Closes
8:15 PM - Raffle Closes
8:20 PM - Event Program
8:45 PM - Chef Winners Announced
9 PM - Event Concludes

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