New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

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. 




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info



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. 




New Jersey Stage provides affordable advertising for the arts, click here for info



 

EVENT PREVIEWS

On

On Writing a Brilliant, Dark, and Diabolical Thriller with Author Liann Zhang

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) --- Take part in a free, virtual author talk with Liann Zhang on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 to discuss her debut thriller Julie Chan Is Dead. The event begins at 7:00pm.



How

How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us - An Online Conversation with Author Rachelle Bergstein

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- You are invited to an intimate online conversation with bestselling author Rachelle Bergstein as she chats about her newest book, the Genius of Judy, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The event begins at 2:00pm.



Smithsonian

Smithsonian Scientists to Discuss Book, Extinctopedia: Discover What We Have Lost, What Is at Risk, and How We Can Preserve the Diversity of Our Fragile Planet

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Join in as Smithsonian scientists highlight information found in the Smithsonian's book, Extinctopedia, during a free, virtual program on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The event begins at 2:00pm.



Explore

Explore Unexpected Twists and Turns with Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- You are invited to an exclusive virtual author talk with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Jewell will introduce her forthcoming title Don't Let Him In and chat about her life as a writer and her critically acclaimed body of work. The event begins at 2:00pm.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Tuesday

Tuesday Night Book Club - Hernan Diaz, Trust

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 @ 7:30pm
VIRTUAL
category: community


 

Author

Author Paul Bomba talks about "No Lifeguard on Duty"

Thursday, May 15, 2025 @ 5:00pm
Avon Marina
2 Main Street, Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ 07717
category: community


 

MMA

MMA Pro League

Saturday, May 17, 2025 @ 6:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ 07008
category: community


 

360

360 Allstars

Thursday, May 22, 2025 @ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
category: community


 

Tacos

Tacos & Friendship Fiesta: Celebrate Our First Birthday Year!

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 @ 6:00pm
Taqueria Los Güeros
93 NJ-17, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
category: community


 



Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info