Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Edwin Felton, one of the chefs who participated in the Distinguished Men Who Cook event, serves his culinary creation to Imani and Bryson Jones at the Dec. 2 fundraiser. Also pictured are Neil Khatod, another chef, and Rev. Ken Frederick.
Blackville Community Development Corporation representatives were in attendance at the fundraiser, including (from left) board secretary Clay Sandra Dash, programs chairperson Ethel Washington, vice chair Jim Cook, executive director Evelyn Coker, and board member Rhoda Washington.
Chefs came from several area counties to participate in the fundraiser. Contributed Photo
The Blackville CDC’s fundraiser brought the community together in a variety of ways.
The Blackville Community Development Corporation (BCDC) stays busy cooking up great things for the town’s people.
The “Distinguished Men Who Cook” annual winter event on Dec. 2 was one of their highlights. The benefit, in its sixth year, “raised additional funding along with grants to assist with repairs for low wealth homeowners that are unable to make repairs to their home to make it safe, decent and healthy as well as a better quality of life for families,” said BCDC Executive Director Evelyn Coker.
This event helps bring to the community a healthier lifestyle, decent housing, and a safe place to call home; providing services to families in need. The community benefits overall with better neighborhoods, reduces blight and promotes an environment that is safe and positive.
Proceeds from the “Distinguished Men Who Cook” benefit the BCDC’s “Partners for Progress” non-profit organization.
“The purpose of this event is to raise funds to help support the work of Blackville Community Development Corporation to assist families with home repairs assistance, affordable housing and medical needs along with grants from state and local agencies,” said Coker.
Coker introduced the event to Blackville in 2017 “to give men a chance to showcase their special dish and highlight men that love to cook.” She emphasized, “It’s not a contest but a fun time to express talent.”
Chefs donate their time and food to give back to the community for a worthy cause. This season's participants were from Bamberg, Barnwell, Hampton and Orangeburg counties as well as other counties.
Chefs were: Rodney Brown, Bennie Cave, Dewayne Eubanks, Edwin Felton, Jerome and Reggie Furnace, Jacob Johnson, Chef Carl, Chef Jack Johnson, Neil Khatod, Robert Kirkland, Enterick Lee, James Roberts Jr., Ethoin Rowe, Edward Smalls, Clemmon Williams and Vernon Wimberly.
“Participants do not mind giving back to the community to assist others,” Coker said. “I felt the Distinguished Men Who Cook event was a success to the community. It’s the BCDC’s biggest annual event. A good contribution.”
The Distinguished Men Who Cook benefit gave the community an opportunity to see talented men showcase at least one of their best dishes. The attendees, including Mayor Ronnie Pernell, Police Chief Ray Crawford, and others from town council, local businesses and a room full of community members ranging in age from infancy to senior citizens enjoyed themselves. Everyone had fun tasting the delights together with an emphasis on diversified fellowship that the BCDC and the town itself support and encourage.
“I must say, the food was awesome. Each participant works hard for perfection,” Coker said.
Each cook received a 15"x17" handmade wood cutting board, engraved, commemorating the event; and a 12-ounce mug with lid and organization logo imprinted.
“We are looking forward to having this event in 2024 with additional ideas and more cooks participating to showcase their special dish,” Coker said. “We are already receiving names of cooks that are excited to be a part of this great event and this year’s participants are likewise looking forward to next year's event.”
If you would like more information on any of the great programs the BCDC offers, please contact Evelyn Coker, executive director, at 803-284-0735. Sponsorships are available and donations are always welcome and tax deductible.
