News Summary
The College Station community gathered last Friday for the 2025 edition of the ’50 Men Who Can Cook’ fundraiser, held at Brazos County Expo. Celebrating its 17th year, this culinary extravaganza featured around 60 teams creating dishes to support the College Station ISD Education Foundation. With nearly 1,500 attendees, the event included a wide array of delectable offerings and fostered a spirit of camaraderie and community, all while raising significant funds for local education.
Excitement Brews at College Station’s “50 Men Who Can Cook” Fundraiser!
Last Friday, the bustling community of College Station came together for the much-anticipated 2025 “50 Men Who Can Cook” event held at the lively Brazos County Expo. This special occasion marked the 17th year of the culinary extravaganza that unites amateur chefs for a noble cause—raising vital funds for the College Station ISD Education Foundation.
A Culinary Showdown to Remember!
With around 60 cooking teams comprised of local community heroes and school leaders, attendees were in for an unforgettable evening filled with mouthwatering dishes and delightful flavors. The atmosphere buzzed with camaraderie and the glorious scents of culinary creativity as participants served up an impressive 800 two-ounce portions of a unique menu. From hearty soups and refreshing salads to scrumptious desserts and delectable entrees, there was something for everyone’s taste buds.
Creative Dishes on Offer
Among the standout dishes, attendees got to savor Fried Mashed Potato Balls by the dynamic duo of Jeff Lednicky and Eric Brown, and a sweet treat of Candy & Land Law Firm Plaintiff’s Peppermint Bark brought to life by Bryan Hanna, Billy Hart, and Jay Rudinger. The tantalizing What’s the Big Dill Pickle Dip by Don Weir and Kevin Bradford, and heartwarming Italian Wedding Soup crafted by Rocco Grande and Blake Hurta, were just a few of the many highlights.
For those with a craving for sweets, amazing creations like Sopapilla Cheesecake by Matthew Helm, Jordan Killingsworth, and Chris May, alongside the indulgent Mac Daddy’s Disco Mac and Cheese, were simply irresistible. More savory delights included Cowboy Krack Candy, Nachos Libre, and Hot Sausage Beer Cheese Dip prepared by a talented team of chefs. Chef Eric Wivagg even wowed the crowd with his famous Slap My Asphalt Brisket!
Fostering Community Spirit
What makes this event even more special? It’s all for the students! Every penny raised from the evening directly supports programs within the College Station ISD. Last year alone, the foundation granted over $300,000 to deserving teachers. This initiative has helped countless educators in the district, fostering an environment where learning thrives!
This year’s event witnessed a remarkable growth in attendance. Starting from the inaugural gathering with around 300 attendees and just 50 booths, excitement has skyrocketed, drawing nearly 1,500 food enthusiasts this time around! Guests participated in a fun voting process, using coins to select their favorite dishes at each cook’s table, adding a friendly competition element to the savory soirée.
More than Just Food!
The event featured a lively lucky doubles dice game and tantalizing raffle prizes that kept the festive spirit alive. Attendees were treated to a delightful evening of food, drinks, and games, all while helping to support public education. The ticket price, set at just $100, offered not only scrumptious eats but also chances to win fabulous auction items!
As the years go by, the decorations and themes chosen by the cooking teams have become increasingly elaborate, adding a theatrical flair that captured the essence of community, creativity, and celebration. It’s clear that both the food and the festive atmosphere keep evolving year after year, and everyone left the event feeling full in both their stomachs and hearts.
Celebrating Dedicated Participants
Representatives from all 19 campuses of the district were present, with many participants being beloved principals and teachers showcasing their skills. One notable chef, Keith Slaughter from Greens Prairie Elementary, has been a part of this culinary celebration since day one, serving up enticing snickerdoodle cookies that have become a crowd favorite.
With such a fantastic turnout, it’s safe to say that the “50 Men Who Can Cook” event continues to be a beloved tradition in College Station, combining culinary delight with community spirit while dedicatedly supporting the education of future generations. Cheers to another successful year of cooking, camaraderie, and commitment to education!
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Additional Resources
- The Eagle: 50 Men Who Can Cook
- Wikipedia: Charity Event
- KBTX: BCS Area Events
- Google Search: Culinary Fundraiser
- NewsBreak: 50 Men Who Can Cook 2025
- Google Scholar: Culinary Events
- The Eagle: 17th Annual Photos
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Fundraising
- The Eagle: CSISD Fundraising Event
- Google News: Education Fundraisers
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
