Cook for Courage

12th Annual Cook for Courage on Vine

The Child Protection Center (CPC) is hosting its 12th annual "Cook for Courage on Vine" event on Sunday, May 18th! The event will be held on the grounds of the Vine Street Brewing Co. located at 2000 Vine St, Kansas City, MO 64108.

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Our 2025 Event Chairs

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Lauren Arthur and Russell Shankland

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Arthur and Heather Bridgens

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Spencer and Ashley Duvall 

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Genny Nicholas and Ann Abercrombie

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Dan and Alison Portnoy


Thank You to Our 2025 Event Committee

Pete Dulin
Mark Hillman

Katie Van Luchene
Robb Yagmin


Thank You to Our 2025 Celebrity Judges

Pete Dulin
                               Kasim Hardaway                                                               Jonathan Justus                                 Jasper Mirabile

                                  Nathan Perry                                                              Katie Van Luchene                             Jenny Vergara


Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors

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Trevor and Courtney Flannigan 

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Terry and Kerry Holton

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Lauren Arthur and Russell Shankland

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Greg Heishman

Thomas and Jean McDonnell

Dan Nelson 

Genny Nicholas and Ann Abercrombie

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Doug Anning and Kirk Isenhour  

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Jon and Sarah Baum

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Bob and Shelly Finuf

Martin Kreissler

Dave and Lisa Mizell

John and Andra Moses

The Quinn Foundation

Ginny Vineyard and Morris Pitluck

Brian D. Williams

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Ron Stricker's Auction


About the Event

The CPC’s signature event will feature amazing local chefs: Linda Duerr of The Restaurant at 1900; Cherven Desauguste of MESOB; Shanita McAfee-Bryant of The Prospect Urban Eatery; Vince Paredes of The Farmhouse; Jeff Workman of Tailleur; and Ben Wood of Rye. These incredible
chefs have generously chosen to share their talents with the CPC for the benefit of children in Kansas City.

In addition, the event will also feature local breweries: Big RIP Brewing Company Cinder Block Brewery, Martin City Brewing Co., Strange Days Brewing Co., Vine Street Brewing Company, 3 Halves Brewing Co. will compete for the best brew with KC's Best BBQ. Again this year, Heirloom Bakery & Hearth will be providing desserts.

On Sunday, May 18, 2025, these chefs and breweries will compete in a barbecue and brew cook-off to prepare the best smoked ribs and beer! Each patron will have the opportunity to sample both the ribs and a side dish prepared by each chef and beer prepared by each brewery. Patrons, along with a celebrity panel of judges will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite ribs,
side dish and brew.

This year's VIP Pre-Party will feature beer from an amazing local brewery, a
signature cocktail from J. Reiger & Co. and special appetizers.

The VIP Pre-Party is from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The Main Event is from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

The event will be held on the grounds of the Vine Street Brewing Co. located at 2000 Vine St, Kansas City, MO 64108. We hope to see you this year.

Why barbecue?

Because barbecue is Kansas City. 

Why CPC?

Because CPC helps children who have experienced abuse develop the courage to overcome.

Dress Code Guidelines

For the ladies: "smart swank" - As the saying goes "comfort is key." Remember, you'll be eating ribs, but that doesn't mean you can't swank it up.  Just do it with finger licking food in mind.  Try a spring dress with your favorite pair of flats or substitute stilettos with a pair of wedges. No need to attempt a balancing act while snarfing down ribs and countless sides!

For the gentlemen: "dashing down" - don't think you can't be dashing while using your digits to dig in and eat.  A suit might stuff up your swagger for this particular event. Dare to dumb down your attire while sporting a dashing ensemble.  Leave the ties and suit jackets at home for this one! That’s what your work week is for!

Past Event Photos

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Past Event Videos

CPC Today

In 1996, fewer than 350 children received forensic interviews or extended forensic interviews. Over the years, we have expanded our reach and our capabilities, and in 2024, we conducted 950 interviews. In total since our opening, we have served more than 20,000 children and their families.

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