Men Who Cook 2009, the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation’s annual fundraising event, is looking for chefs to compete in this year’s event.

Sponsored by NewQuest Properties, community members will have the chance to sample each chef’s culinary skills.  

MEN WHO COOK – Dale Gibson, with the Showalter Law Firm, was a hit with his jambalaya at Men Who Cook 2008. The annual fundraising event is looking for chefs for the 2009 event, slated for Feb. 21.

“This is a great opportunity to participate in this stirring event and share a favorite dish with the community,” said L.E.A.F. Executive Director Janice Knight.

All dishes are prepared at home and transported to the event. Not only does this allow each chef to work in the comfort of their own kitchen, it also allows a spouse wife – or favorite restaurant – to “consult” on the dish, Knight added.

Men Who Cook will be held Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Safari Texas in Richmond. The Billie Ledbetter Orchestra will provide the evening’s musical entertainment, while radio hall-of-famer Rowdy Yates will be on hand to serve as master of ceremonies.

Individuals and companies have signed on as underwriters, including Silver level sponsors Bank of America, Carolyn and Neil Banfield, Consolidated Home Health, Consolidated Property Advisors, Fluor, Gurecky Manufacturing, Jackie Leaman and Jan and Lee Leaman. Other Silver sponsors are Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP, Miller Brother’s Floors, Trina and Andy Sanford, United Environmental Services and Universal Corrosion Specialists. 

Bronze underwriters include AAA Asphalt Paving, Ambrose, McEnany and House, Amegy Bank of Texas, Bass Construction, Bonbrook Plantation, Cable Service Repair, Drymalla Construction, Dr. Lloyd and Jennifer Hartmann, First Community Bank and First Southwest Company.

Other bronze sponsors are Gilbane, IDC Inc., Imperial Sugar Company, Lakes of Bella Terra, Dr. Lee Mahlmann, Lonnie and Kathy Meadows/NewFirst Insurers, McGriff, Seibels & Williams and Memorial Hermann-Sugar Land.  Also, NewFirst National Bank, Null Lairson, P.C., OakBend Medical Center, Paul and Janice Knight, PBK Architects, Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, RiverPark West, Safari Texas, Southwest Water Company, The Hunton Group, Thompson & Horton LLP, Vinson and Elkins LLP and VLK Architects and Williams Development & Construction. 

L.E.A.F. helps fund Lamar CISD teachers’ dreams by providing extra money for classroom enrichment.  The organization recently awarded 100 educational grants totaling more than $171,000 for the 2008 school year.

“Come join us as we look forward to another successful presentation of Fort Bend’s finest chefs,” Knight said.

Call Knight at 832-223-0334 to participate or for more information.