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Cooks Who Care Releases New Cookbook Supporting Mental Health

originally published: 11/13/2022

(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Cooks Who Care, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of food and beverage industry workers, is celebrating the upcoming virtual and in-store launch of the first ever Cooks Who Care Community Cookbook: Entertaining for Mental Health (Philly Edition) with “Nobody Knows”, a fundraising soirée at Stratus Rooftop Lounge on Monday, November 21 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. This industry night-inspired event includes entertainment from DJ Romain and roller skating dancers, in addition to complimentary food and boozy (+ non-alc) beverages from chefs and mixologists featured in the book, raffles and prizes, and a live auction. 

Helmed by Founders Maria and Scott Campbell, Cooks Who Care is no stranger to hosting city-wide events in support of local restaurants and bars. Their cookbook project was conceived as a way to give back to the hardworking people of the food and beverage industry, by improving their access to much needed mental health support services. On Monday, November 21, the Campbells are inviting hospitality folk and all who are interested in supporting the cause to enjoy an evening at Stratus Rooftop Lounge in Old City, with the goal of increasing funding for the print publication of the inaugural Cooks Who Care Community Cookbook. 

"I’ve always been moved by the lyrics in 'Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out' by Derek & the Dominos.  People high five you when you're across the finish line, but where are they when you're down and out? I never wanted people to feel that way,” said Maria Campbell. “Nobody knows about mental health challenges (because they're hidden), and nobody knows what it’s like to be in this business except us!  Let's come together not just as an industry but as a community who cares."

This first-of-its-kind cookbook is a compilation of seasonal recipes shared by chefs, mixologists, beverage professionals, and health experts who are dedicated to supporting mental health advocacy within their industries. Just in time for the holiday season, the book includes numerous recipes and home entertaining ideas for cooks of all skill levels and learning styles. Featured chefs and beverage experts include Chef Jen Zavala of Juana Tamale, Kate Duffy of Laurel and In The Valley, Chef Chad Durkin of Porcos and Small Oven Pastry Shop, Joshua Scheid of Rex at The Royal, Casey Parker, Chef Jose Luis Ruis, and Chef Guadalupe Ramirez Mozo of The Pistolas Group, Christoper Devern of Red Owl Tavern, Chef Reuben Asaram of Reuben’s Indian Kitchen, and much more. 

Full proceeds from purchase of Cooks Who Care Community Cookbook: Entertaining for Mental Health (Philly Edition) will benefit a community fund for people working in the food and beverage industry in the Greater Philadelphia region, including South Jersey and Delaware County. 

 

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Tickets for “Nobody Knows” at Stratus Rooftop Lounge are priced at $25/person, and include complimentary bites and beverages, and various forms of live entertainment. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking HERE. For those unable to attend but would still like to donate to the cause, click HERE.

The digital edition includes how-to videos filmed by cinematographer and producer Eric Lovett Jr., and can be previewed by clicking below. Stay tuned for a release date for the virtual cookbook, dropping in December 2022. The release date for the print publication will follow, pending additional funds gathered from now until the event on Monday, November 21. 

Cooks Who Care (CWC) is an organization dedicated to supporting the health & well-being of people working in the Food & Beverage Industries. Based in Media, PA, CWC currently focuses their efforts on supporting food service workers in the greater Philadelphia area, with the goal of expanding nationwide. Founders Maria & Scott Campbell are tireless advocates, raising awareness about the mental health challenges specific to their industry peers. 

The Food & Beverage Industry is in the middle of an on-going mental health crisis. The Covid-19 pandemic brought this situation to the forefront of a national conversation, but the conditions have existed for years. In light of the mental health struggles that many of our friends in the Industry have faced recently, we were inspired to do more to help. With the newly launched CWC Community Fund, we are raising money to fund mini-grants for food service workers in the Philadelphia area who are in need of mental health support. Our CWC Community Cookbook is a fundraiser for this initiative & 100% of proceeds will fund mental health focused grants.