CLEARFIELD — The food was enjoyed by all and nearly $4,000 was raised for charity during the 2024 edition of Men Who Cook.
The event, held at the Clearfield Veterans of Foreign Wars on Oct. 19, was originally set to benefit the VFW’s local veterans projects when the board of directors of VFW Post 1785, decided to re-gift the monies raised to the family of County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Rowles.
“Our post was very fortunate to be selected to receive two generous donations this month,” expressed VFW Commander Greg Ireland.
“The first was the proceeds from the Freedom Fest held at Starr Hill Winery and then proceeds from the Men Who Cook event. Part of the VFW mission is to serve our veterans, the military and our communities.
“After learning about Deputy Rowles’ medical battle, the officers and regular members of VFW Post 1785 who attended the post meeting Oct. 10, 2024 decided to donate all the proceeds from the Men Who Cook event to Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Rowles and family”
We also learned during our meeting that Deputy Rowles is a U.S. Air Force veteran, and most of us already knew, how he has served our local community as a police officer and sheriff’s deputy for many years, so we wanted to support Deputy Rowles and his family, Ireland said.
Originally a junior competitor, Colton Sass went head-to-head with the adults and took home the trophy in the home cook division. Mason Wholaver was then best in the junior division and Sheriff Mike Churner, alongside his deputies, once again took the trophy in the team division.
Organizers would like to give a “major thank you” to the VFW and all cooking participants who made the event possible including State Rep. Dallas Kephart; Sheriff Mike Churner and his deputies; Clearfield County Commissioners John Sobel and Tim Winters; Dennis Biancuzzo, director of business development for Mature Resources; Neil Suquillo, owner of Toda La Familia; Josh LaFleur, Penn Highlands Clearfield vice president of operations; and Steven Petrini, owner of Petrini’s Excavating; and Mason Wholaver and Colton Sass.
The event was sponsored by Visit Clearfield County, GANT News, Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub, Novey Recycling and The After Dark.