'50 Men Who Cook' fundraiser to benefit suicide prevention

The first 50 Men Who Cook, a benefit for the Batavia-based Suicide Prevention Services, will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Lincoln Inn Banquets, 1345 S. Batavia Road (Route 31) in Batavia.

The public is invited. Suicide Prevention Services is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing and eliminating suicide and suicide attempts through education, advocacy and collaboration.

Guests will be entertained with live music, raffle prizes, and food.

Celebrity chef Josh Jones, Chef de Cuisine at Chicago's Spring Restaurant, is among several chefs expected to cook for the event. Spring is continually rated among the top restaurants in the city for fine dining and remains a catalyst for up-and-coming talent including Stephanie Izzard, winner of Bravo's "Top Chef."

In addition to sampling Jones' cuisine, visitors can sample raffle prizes including a private dinner in their home prepared by the innovative chef.

Other celebrity chefs include State Rep. Tom Cross, Batavia Mayor Jeffrey Schielke, Plano Mayor Bill Roberts, and Naperville Mayor George Pradel.

Benefit sponsors include Big Green Egg, Delnor-Community Hospital, Spring Restaurant, Cuisinart and Cadac Grills.

Tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the door. Tickets are available at 50menwhocook.com or by phone (630) 482-9699.

For information, visit 50menwhocook.com or www.spsfv.org or call (630) 482-9699.

Survivors of Suicide and Crisis Line of the Fox Valley both were founded in 1982 by Stephanie Weber. SOS is a self-help group that aims to help families and loved ones who have experienced a suicide. Weber still leads the SOS group, which meets once a month at the Advent Christian Church in Aurora.

The goal of Suicide Prevention Services is to reduce suicide risk and completions by massive public education, depression screening and early identification and intervention before a crisis. Advocacy and collaboration have always been the community methods used.

It has vital partnerships with many community agencies including Aurora University, Kane County Health Department, police and fire departments, and schools. National partnerships continue with American Association of Suicidology, Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network, and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.