The Kappa Psi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will host its 24th annual Men Who Cook scholarship fundraising event on Saturday, March 11, at Kromrey Middle School.

The event will feature 23 local men competing in three categories: side dish, main dish and dessert.

“The event is generally really fun, competitive event where local professionals and community members come to claim they have the ultimate winning dish,” said AKA’s Kappa Psi Omega chapter President Nichelle Nichols.

Each dish is judged by the audience as well as a panel of local professional chefs. This year’s chef judges include Kevin Beier of Great Dane Pub Hilldale; Mathew Grange of Great Dane Pub Hilldale; “Kipp” Thomas of Kipp’s Cuisine; Rod Ladson of Bonefish Grill; and Ronald Moore, chef at Oakwood Village.

Each category is awarded a Chef’s Award and a People’s Choice Award.

“The cooks are always vying for the awards, but they really love getting the People’s Choice Award,” Nichols said.

Men Who Cook is Kappa Psi Omega’s primary fundraising event for dollars towards scholarships for graduating high school seniors.

The organization gives away seven or eight scholarships each year, according to Nichols, ranging from $500 to $2000. This year the goal is to raise $10,000 for scholarships funds.

Joe Maldonado celebrates a Men Who Cook victory with AKA’s Gloria Ladson-Billings (left) and Frances Huntley-Cooper at a previous Men Who Cook event.

Proceeds from Men Who Cook tickets sales go towards the scholarship fund.

Tickets for the event are $25 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Tickets can only be purchased in advance and are available until 10 p.m. Friday

“We could not do this without the men participating in this,” Nichols said. “They are purchasing and prepping enough food for 300 people and they’re usually cooking and prepping a day in advance. They’re great at engaging everyone in the audience and we know the success of this event is based on the men who decide to participate and they all believe in the cause.”

Doors open at 1:30 p.m. and the event is from 2 to 5 p.m.