Wantagh Kiwanis Club Hosts Annual Men That Cook Fundraiser

The Wantagh Kiwanis Club recently hosted its annual Men That Cook fundraiser at  with community leaders and residents uniting over culinary delights.

Participants, including business owners, community members and elected officials, each whipped up one dish for a buffet-style dinner. In addition to dinner, the fundraiser also featured a Chinese auction and raffles.

Wantagh Kiwanis president Norman Sammut, who co-founded the event more than a decade ago, feels that it has grown into a staple for local residents.

"It's a fun way to raise money for good causes and gives the Wantagh community an opportunity to break bread together and share a pleasant evening," Sammut said. "I hope it continues to be the success that it is."

Hempstead Town Clerk Mark Bonilla has participated in the event for several years. Bonilla said it has become an opportunity for residents to see business owners and community leaders in a more inviting atmosphere.

"The whole purpose is to bring the community together to give the local people in the area the ability to meet the leaders and at the same time develop a dialogue that isn't necessarily political or community related," said Bonnilla, a Bellmore resident who formerly called Seaford home for 25 years. "Every year, I'll go to these type of things. I think it's great for the community to see us doing things that make us real people."

Proceeds raised will help send local students to Camp Kiwanis as well as generate scholarships for local high school seniors.