50 men, 50 dishes: Fundraiser to benefit suicide prevention

Roger Breisch, executive director of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce is not afraid. He's confident in his entry for this weekend's fundraiser "50 Men Who Cook" to benefit Suicide Prevention Services

"I'm making an appetizer that is polenta with sun dried tomatoes," he said. "It's one of my favorite recipes."

Breisch isn't even the least bit intimidated that Asa Bielenburg, a brawny Geneva High School football player, is making a similar appetizer, polenta with marinara sauce.

"My ancestry is Swedish," he said. "I'm not afraid of any Viking."

What about the Batavia Mayor Schielke's vegi-rolls?

"What's that? The mayor isn't making his famous Ants on a Log again? I heard he is partnering with township supervisor, Jim Anderson, to come up with something new this year," said Breisch.

Apparently the mayor took a lot of ribbing last year for his entry.

"In all fairness to the mayor, I did hear that he didn't just have raisins on top of peanut butter and celery. He had various other creature add-ons."

This year's event will feature professional chefs, caterers and men who love to cook

Of course all of the competitors are wondering about the most famous competitor of all.

On the list of the 50 men is one entry that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

The famous heartthrob of the 50s and 50s, Elvis Presley, is listed as a participant.

"Elvis is going to be there?" said Breisch. "Are you sure? I heard he left the building."

Although "Elvis" promises a whole lot of shaking going on, he won't divulge his recipe. What will he make? Could it be that locals will be treated to his famous deep fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?

"Be afraid, be very, very afraid," said Breisch.

There will be some interesting concoctions from appetizers to desserts. The list of food includes everything from pulled pork sandwiches to a variety of soups. Many are cooking up pasta dishes and the famous "manic cotti gone toastal" is sure to be a crowd pleaser, along with "chocolate ecstasy" or the continually flowing chocolate fountain.

Roger Breisch knows first hand about Suicide Prevention Services. He has been a volunteer on the hotline for the past six years, logging over 1,500 hours.

"Often the people at the other end of the phone just need someone to talk with, someone to listen," he added. "The agency provides a valuable service for them."

The popular fundraiser for Suicide Prevention Services brings together a community of not only those whose lives have been touched by suicide but also those who know how important it is to support this resource for those who battle with depression and those who are struggling with the pressures of life.

Last year's event at the Lincoln Inn was a huge success and this year should be a good one as well. There is entertainment, raffles, door prizes and fifty different foods to try. The cost is $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Since all of the food is donated by the cooks, the cost of the ticket is tax deductible.

Stephanie Weber, executive director of Suicide Prevention Services in Batavia, was instrumental in starting the agency, establishing the first crisis line 28 years ago and the first aftercare support group 27 years ago.

Today the agency trains and manages a full staff and a large number of volunteers to help those who need help be it a shoulder to lean on in a support group or a sympathetic ear to listen at the end of a phone line.

The 50 men who cook this weekend all know the importance of helping this agency. They are giving their time, talent as well as the food for all the attendees.

Even Elvis would say, "Thank you, thank you very much."

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>

<p class="News"><b>What:</b> 50 Men Who Cook, a fundraiser for Suicide Prevention Services</p>

<p class="News"><b>When: </b>6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27</p>

<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Lincoln Inn, 1435 S. Batavia Ave. (Route 31), Batavia</p>

<p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $50 in advance or $60 at the door</p>

<p class="News"><b>Info:</b> Call (630) 482-9699 or visit <a href="http://spsfv.org" target="new">spsfv.org</a>.</p>