barbecue-web.jpgThe ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta are not only known for being competitors, but for also being chief rivals. This time, the competition between the Broward and Miami-Dade chapters of the predominantly black women’s organizations will help to send students to college.
The United Negro College Fund’s Second Annual One Hundred Celebrity Men Who Cook event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 24 and will give a few local men bragging rights while raising money for the organization known for its motto, “a mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

“It’s not only a competition for the chefs, it’s a competition between the two sororities. A part of the proceeds go to establishing scholarships for students,” explained Edith Pearson, regional development director for UNCF.

The popularity of cooking shows on the Food Network and other culinary broadcasts has fueled the UNCF event that began in Savannah, GA ten years ago, and “kind of bubbled up all around the country,” according to Pearson.

Shining the spotlight on men seems fitting.

“Men are much more competitive about cooking than women, and they all want an audience,” she said. To raise the competitive stakes even higher, a few professional chefs will also participate.

Others that have signed on to cook include State Senator Chris Smith and State Representative Oscar Braynon, a number of school principals and local artist George Gadson.

“Bishop John White will be making homemade ice-cream,” Pearson added.

In addition to being able to feast on the chefs’ offerings, the Florida Memorial University’s steel band and Dillard High’s jazz ensemble will provide live music for the more than 500 people expected to attend.

Renee Michelle Harris may be reached at RMHarris15@Bellsouth.net.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: UNCF's Second Annual One Hundred Celebrity Men Who Cook

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24 from 6 pm to 9 pm

WHERE: Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

COST: $25, children under 12 are free

FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to purchase event tickets, please contact UNCF at 954-527-3315 or by e-mail at edith.pearson@uncf.org.