The Las Cruces Bulletin The idea for last year’s event, which was held to raise funds for the organization’s capital campaign, came from local
retirees from the Wisconsin area. “Men Who Cook is originally from Oshkosh, Wis.,” Mesilla Valley Hospice Development Director Terra Van Winter said about the nine-year-old event held to support a local domestic violence shelter. “Many of them attended it there and then brought it here.” During the event, Van Winter said, 60 to 70 men from the community, along with an assistant, volunteer their time and ingredients to prepare bite-sized samplings of appetizers, soups, entrées, side dishes or desserts for 100 people. “Attendees purchase a ticket and eat until they’re full,” said April Anaya, marketing coordinator of the hospice. “They can have a three-course meal, several times over.” Last year, with 65 chefs and 500 tickets sold, Anaya said more than 700 people participated in the event, raising about $36,000. Everyone from City Manager Terrence Moore and Mayor Ken Miyagishima to fire fighters and Van Winter’s husband Eric participated in last year’s event, she said.
Along with traditional recipes, such as pulled pork and posole, Van Winter said there were several other favorites.