C.A.T.I.F. Seeks Cooks For September 8th Charity Cook Off

Do you know your way around a grill? On Sunday, September 8, 2013 show off your skills at Celebrating All That Is Feminine’s (C.A.T.I.F.) Third Annual Block Party and Rib and Chicken Cook-Off to support the Children’s Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County (CAC). 

C.A.T.I.F. is a group of professional women who have pooled their energy and resources to raise money to provide funding for already established organizations who serve residents in surrounding communities. The September food focused event is one of two annual fundraisers the groups holds to raise funds for local charities. 

Located at Station Street and Wilson Street in downtown Palatine from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Cook-Off will feature rib and chicken tastes, family friendly activities including face painting, a bouncy house, live auction, and 50/50 raffle. Two local bands, Selective Amnesia and Function Undefined, will take the stage to provide entertainment. 

“C.A.T.I.F. has chosen an amazing organization for our September Family Picnic Fundraiser this year and we look forward to donating as much as possible,” says the organization’s founder, Kara Cermak “C.A.T.I.F. is really the fundraising arm for partners that we choose for each of our events which are chosen because we want to give back to our community’s women and children. We are a group of independent, strong business women, moms, sisters, daughters, and wives that decided to do the very thing that many organizations really need and that is to fundraise and get the word out. We’re so thankful for the work that CAC is doing and we’re proud to represent them.”

The cook-off competition judged by local chefs and limited to five rib cooks and five chicken cooks, is open to anyone for a $25 entrance fee. Winners will take home a $250 prize. Admission to the event is free of charge. Food, crafts and games will require tickets, available for purchase online or at registration. 

“We want people to have a fantastic time at this event while raising money for the CAC,” explains Cermak. “We hope the cook-off, along with the kid’s activities, auction and live music; will draw a variety of people, including families, out to Palatine.” 

Established in 1989, CAC serves more than 650 children and their families each year in 38 suburbs. The agency provides coordinated forensic interviewing, professional counseling, court advocacy and support services to children who have experienced sexual abuse or severe physical abuse. A 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization, CAC provides all services free of charge.

Mark Parr, Executive Director of CAC says the fundraiser is important in helping CAC continue its work in local communities. “We are honored to be selected as the recipient of this year’s Annual Block Party and are excited to be partnering with C.A.T.I.F. Support of their members and the people they bring to this event is extremely important in elevating awareness about child abuse and raising funds for children and families affected by abuse.”

C.A.T.I.F., in its’ fifth year of fundraising, has contributed over $57,000 to various organizations throughout the Chicago land area. For more information, cook registration or to purchase activity tickets for the event, visit www.catifcharity.com. To learn more about the Children’s Advocacy Center visit www.cachelps.org or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CACNW.