Being the love: 'Men Who Cook' raises nearly $24,000 for Love Our Community

The third annual "Be the Love – Men Who Cook" event, hosted by Love Our Community, was held Feb. 10 at the Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market, raising $23,925 to support the nonprofit’s year-round services.

For Love Our Community, the evening was more than a fundraiser. It was a celebration of community, connection and impact. Local businesses, organizations and community leaders partnered as sponsors to help make the event possible.

For the past seven years, Love Our Community has supported individuals and families facing domestic violence, homelessness, food insecurity and mental health challenges. Funds raised help cover operational costs tied to stabilization housing, counseling, case management, community meals and related services.

Doors opened at 5:30 p.m., with the event running from 6-8 p.m. Approximately 200 people attended. Some came to cook; most filled the tables to share food, laughter and time with friends and neighbors.

Men from the community prepared their signature dishes, and guests voted for their favorites. The evening also included raffles, specialty mocktails and coffee, and an update from Kelli Viscounte, executive director of Love Our Community, on the organization’s impact.

“This is what Lake Township community spirit looks like,” organizers said.

Winners included Bethany Mennonite Church, which earned Best Overall and Best Appetizer for its jalapeño corn dip; Merriman Valley Pizza, which won Best Main Dish for its brisket; 1-800 Board Up, which received Best Side Dish for its cabbage dish; and Zach Coblentz and Jeremy Bowers, who won Best Dessert for gourmet cupcakes. The Hartville Fire Department took home Best Table Presentation.

Other menu items included barbecue chicken wings, prosciutto caprese cups, bacon-wrapped stuffed dates, chili, lasagna, homemade rigatoni, tacos, pulled pork mac and cheese, cheesecake bites and buckeyes. Mocktails and coffee were also served.

Viscounte thanked partners, sponsors and supporters, noting that the need for services remains significant. She encouraged attendees to consider giving $10 per week to sustain programs.

Community partners also addressed attendees, including Dr. Rekita Adams, pastoral counselor and case manager for Love Our Community; Monica Holt-Parrish of Stark County Family Court; and Joan Bauer of Narrow Path Investigations. Each spoke about the value of the organization’s services for domestic violence survivors and others in crisis.

Uniontown police officers Dominic Simko and Tylar Boiarski participated as cooks, preparing pulled pork mac and cheese. Sgt. John Koehler said the organization has assisted officers on scenes involving families in need of immediate shelter, food and clothing.

“We were honored to be a part of this fundraising event,” Koehler said.

Event sponsors included GentleBrook, The Christ Foundation, Hartville Health & Wellness Centre, Bethany Mennonite Church, Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market, Hartville Balloon Shop and NEO Event Pros. Organizers also thanked Evermore Community Church, Front Porch Cafe and Andrew Eicher Photography for their support.

Stark County Auditor Angela Kinsey called the organization’s mission “a blessing to the entire community.” Lake Township Trustee Sue Grabowski praised the cooks and the cause, and Judge Matt Kreitzer said supporting organizations that assist underserved residents is rewarding. Jennifer Fitzsimmons, a candidate for Stark County Common Pleas Court judge, said she was inspired by the organization’s impact.

Pastor Angel Jackson of St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church thanked volunteers who represented the church at the event, noting the importance of raising money to help neighbors in need.

Representatives of the New Philadelphia Housing Plan also attended and expressed interest in future collaboration with Love Our Community to expand support for residents facing crisis.

For more information or to donate, visit Love Our Community at 1236 Sunnyside St. SW, Hartville, or online.