The Do it Best Foundation announces the return of one of Fort Wayne’s favorite food and fundraising events with the relaunch of Cookin’ Fort Wayne on May 21, 2025 on the Electric Works campus.
Do it Best Foundation announces Cookin’ Fort Wayne event to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana
Fort Wayne, Indiana (September 4, 2024) — The Do it Best Foundation announces the return of one of Fort Wayne’s favorite food and fundraising events with the relaunch of Cookin’ Fort Wayne on May 21, 2025 on the Electric Works campus. Cookin’ Fort Wayne will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana.
“As the Do it Best Foundation continues to grow its positive impact in the region, we’ve been looking to introduce a premier fundraising event that could help us in our mission of building brighter futures for kids and families in our communities,” said Foundation Executive Director Randy Rusk. “After learning that Cookin’ Men, a long-running and highly successful fundraiser hosted by the Parkview Health Foundation, would not be returning after the pandemic, we began working with their team to transition hosting duties while honoring their long-standing traditions. We couldn’t be more excited to announce its return next spring with a fresh new look, all to benefit the great work of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana.”
Photo provided by the Do it Best Foundation.
While the roots for Cookin’ Men trace back more than 20 years to 100+ male chefs whipping up their specialty appetizers, small entrees, decadent desserts, and signature drinks in support of women’s breast cancer health screenings, the event has evolved and grown over the years to support a number of charitable groups. Today’s relaunch announcement introduces a new name, location, and beneficiary.
“Updating the name to Cookin’ Fort Wayne reflects our desire to welcome the broader community and include female business and civic leaders among our many valued chefs,” noted Rusk. “We’re also bringing the event to Electric Works with its historic indoor and outdoor locations, rooftop views, and ample parking. And the net proceeds will support Ronald McDonald House’s work with families and their hospitalized children. This will be an exceptional experience for our new and returning chefs as well as our supportive ticket holders.”
“The need for our services continues to grow, often with families waiting for a room to become available in the Ronald McDonald House,” said Jenifer Veatch, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana. “Last year alone, we had to say ‘no’ to 47 families who needed our services because we were full. For 2025, we are making a commitment to be able to say ‘yes’ to every family who comes to us. This wonderful partnership with the Do it Best Foundation through Cookin’ Fort Wayne will help us fulfill that pledge.”
Rusk added that general admission and VIP tickets will go on sale early in the new year. “As in years past, we expect Cookin’ Fort Wayne to sell out quickly. We’re already finalizing commitments with many of our well-known chefs and we’ll have more exciting news to share soon,” he said. Interested chefs can visit doitbestfoundation.org to learn more and apply to participate.
Cookin’ Fort Wayne will be the second premier fundraising event for the Do it Best Foundation following the success of their 4th annual Fore the Cause charity golf tournament that raised over $1 million on June 10. Since its founding in 2019, the Do it Best Foundation has awarded over 100 grants across the country totaling more than $1.3 million.
About the Do it Best Foundation
The Do it Best Foundation supports not-for-profit community organizations that focus on serving the needs of others. Rooted in servant leadership, the Foundation awards grants to agencies that can help build brighter futures for kids and families. Nonprofit organizations located in or near cities where Do it Best has business operations are given priority consideration. To learn how you can support the work of the Do it Best Foundation, follow us on Instagram and visit doitbestfoundation.org.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Indiana
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana (RMHC of Northeast Indiana), a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, provides a dedicated bridge of support to families of ill children and believes in the healing power of family. RMHC of Northeast Indiana operates the Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Lounge, which serve the families of hospitalized children 21 and under at no charge, as well as the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, a ‘doctor’s office on wheels’ delivering preventive pediatric care to vulnerable neighborhoods and offering services at no charge to families without insurance. For more information on Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana, or to learn how you can help, please visit rmhc-neindiana.org.
