Warning from Shane Laubach: "I'm totally promising that our team will defend my 2020 and 2021 Leading Men Who Cook Champion Chef title! I expect the 2022 title to be just the third of many more consecutive such designations for the historic Wilson Vaughn Hostess House.”
To what title could Laubach possibly be referring, you ask? Well, last November he won LEAD Inc.’s Leading Men Who Cook Champion Chef designation with his delectable Philly Cheesesteak Sliders and early fundraising efforts with Hostess House supporters.
Chef Laubach, who serves as an actual chef for the Hostess House and Aero Club, in additional to being a talented violinist, won the title by securing the most tips online and at the event in his tip jar. The $4,500 he raised was used to help with improvements needed at the Hostess House. His and his team’s passion for their charity is why he is guaranteeing a repeat for the Hostess House.
LEAD Inc. is the acronym for Leadership Education and Development, an organization serving Grant County since 1993, offering adult and youth leadership programs with the vision of preparing the next generation of community leaders and volunteers for Grant County.
On Saturday, November 5 from 5‐8 pm there will be 30 local chefs at the Roseburg Event Center attempting to unseat Chef Shane’s team. Each chef is a center of influence in the Grant County community and will serve their favorite dish, earning tips (donations) from friends and guests in the process. Tip monies will benefit the nonprofit organization of their choice. So, 30 local charities will benefit from this event. Tip jars open online 30 days prior to the event at www.leadgrantcounty.org and will conclude with a tip jar at each chef’s serving station the night of the event.
Cocktails will be available along raffles, a wine pull, and a live auction, all to raise money for LEAD Inc. and other local nonprofits. Through this annual event, LEAD Inc. has brought together leaders from all walks of the community to celebrate their passion for making a difference and helping to showcase their favorite charity at the same time.
“Leading Men Who Cook” is a signature fundraising event for LEAD Inc. This will be its eighth year. It relies heavily on volunteer efforts and loyal sponsors – and the collaborative spirit of these leaders – for its great success. Volunteers include the tip counting team, auction donors, and secret group of judges who decide the best appetizer, side dish, entrée, and dessert.
The 2021 competition raised nearly $27,000 for LEAD Inc. and more than 20 local charities. Four local teenagers joined as “Leading Teens Who Cook” last year and prepared side dishes and desserts for the guests. Chef Lauren Belcher earned the Teen Choice award with her French Macaroons and teen Isaac Ballinger was 5th place among all chefs in fundraising. He donated his tip to the RedBarn Upland.
“We are really excited to use LEAD Inc.’s premier annual event to not only support our leadership programs but also to benefit local charities who do so much to make our community better. Plus, the food is incredible! I know that I’m going to participate and compete for the Champion Chef award,” said returning chef, founding board member and Leadership Grant County volunteer facilitator, Tim Harris. Harris and Chef Michael Belcher have participated every year since the event's inception, as well as Dave Huffman, who died this year and will be honored this year with a special memoriam.
LEAD Inc. believes, “In every person is a leader waiting to be developed.” The organization exists to develop and train leaders in Grant County. With three universities, a community full of talented and caring citizens, strong business and manufacturing partnerships, and a rich heritage of leadership, LEAD Inc. is developing the next generation of leadership, to preserve a strong and healthy community.
Charlie Wallace won the title in 2014, the inaugural year of the event. Isaac Horner then won consecutive titles in 2015 and 2016. Jason Ford won in 2017, Kyle Strohman follwed by Tim Root won titles for the YMCA in 2018 and 2019. Now Shane Laubach aspires to defend his 2020 and 2021 titles for the Hostess House.
To attend, sponsor, volunteer, or become a chef for this year’s event, visit the website: www.leadgrantcounty.org or contact Dianne Harris at 765.661.3071 or any LEAD Inc. Board Member.
Individual tickets are $30 and tables seat 8. Sponsorships range from $500 to $1,500. Become a Chef de Partie ($500), Sous Chef ($1,000), or Head Chef ($1,500) sponsor and receive a table of 8, recognition in promotional material, complimentary beverages for each guest as well as one‐time complimentary use of the Thompson‐Ray House ($200 value). Depending upon the sponsorship level, complimentary class registrations to Leadership Grant County ($350 value) are included in the sponsorship. Details can be found on the website or by calling LEAD Inc.
