Cook for Courage
13th Annual Cook for Courage at Abbott
Our 2026 Event Chairs
Arthur and Heather Bridgens
Spencer and Ashley Duvall
Thank You to Our 2026 Event Committee
Pete Dulin
Mark Hillman
Katie Van Luchene
Robb Yagmin
Thank You to Our 2026 Celebrity Judges
Pete Dulin
Kasim Hardaway Jonathan Justus Jasper Mirabile
Nathan Perry Katie Van Luchene Jenny Vergara
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
Trevor and Courtney Flannigan
Terry and Kerry Holton
Lauren Arthur and Russell Shankland
Greg Heishman
John and Andra Moses
Dan Nelson
Genny Nicholas and Ann Abercrombie
Martin Kreissler
Laura and Bill McCarthy
Cory Miser
Dave and Lisa Mizell
Grayson Murphy
Nancy and Mort Nelson
Kathy Ross
Jared Stricklin
Ron Stricker's Auction
About the Event
The CPC’s signature event will feature amazing local chefs: Vince Paredes of The Farmhouse; David Ruiz of The Overland Park Convention Center; Ben Wood of Rye; and Jeff Workman of Green Dirt On Oak. 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: KC Bier Co., Transparent Brewing Company, and 3 Halves Brewing Co., who will compete for the best brew with KC's Best BBQ. Again this year, Heirloom Bakery & Hearth will be providing desserts.
On Sunday, May 17, 2026, 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.
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 inside and outside of the Abbott, located at 1901 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MO 64108. We hope to see you this year.
Why barbecue?
Because barbecue is Kansas City.
Why CPC?
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
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.
