ATTLEBORO - Most guys don't like to spend much time in the kitchen, but there's a group of guys that will be cooking up a feast later this month to support New Hope, Inc., the Attleboro-based nonprofit agency that helps women and families affected by domestic violence.
The 26th Annual Gourmet Guys event will take place on Friday, Nov. 20 at the Attleboro Elks Lodge at 887 South Main St. (Route 152). Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with dinner being served at 7 p.m.
An Attleboro institution, Gourmet Guys features a buffet-style dinner prepared by about 50 Gourmet Guys, including local officials, business and community leaders, police officers, firefighters, area residents and even a few local chefs. They cook their favorite dishes to share and donate their time and resources to support New Hope.
The Gourmet Guys will be serving up all types of dishes. Some of the culinary delights include chicken Mozambique, shaved steak sliders, seafood risotto, and barbecue baby back ribs.
It is always a fun event that everyone looks forward to, says Lori Sousa, vice president of development and marketing at New Hope.
"The community is deeply invested in the event and look forward to it every year. The guys are so generous. It's amazing," Sousa said.
More than 250 people are expected to attend. The event also includes raffles and a special "Buy-a-Key" activity. Attendees can take a chance at winning a piece of jewelry donated by Attleboro Jewelers. If your key opens the box, you win.
All proceeds benefit New Hope's work to end domestic and sexual violence in Southeastern and Central Massachusetts.
Gourmet Guys is one of New Hope's biggest fundraisers of the year, along with the Moonlit Wine, Beer and Food Tasting in January.
"Everything goes back into our programs. It is directly spent on shelters, community-based programs, counseling services, advocacy services and more. It helps keep the organization going," Sousa said.
New Hope is seeing an increase in the need for some of its programs, as much as 30 to 40 percent in some cases.
"The demand remains strong unfortunately. We're seeing a dramatic increase across particular programs," Sousa said.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available online at new-hope.org under "events," in person at New Hope's Attleboro office, 140 Park St., weekdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or by mail. Mail orders should include the number of adult, senior or child tickets, a phone number, and a check for the total amount. A New Hope staff member will call to confirm the purchase.
LAURA CALVERLEY is a freelance writer for The Sun Chronicle. She can be reached at lacalverley@gmail.com.
