Join the Culinary Cause: Cookin’ Fort Wayne Returns!
The Do it Best Foundation is thrilled to announce the relaunch of one of the city’s favorite food and fundraising events – Cookin’ Fort Wayne! This exciting and reinvigorated event will be held at the Electric Works campus on May 21, 2025, benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana, making a lasting impact on families in our community.
Where?
The event will be utilizing Union Street Market, the Do It Best Don Wolf Conference Center, Weigand Yard, Dynamo Alley and Building 19 Roof Terrace.
When?
May 21, 2025 | Wednesday
5:00 pm – VIP Rooftop opens
5:45 pm – VIP early access to main event
6:00 pm – Doors open for general admission
9:00 pm – Closing time
“I’ll Have One of Everything!”
Have you ever dreamed of going to a restaurant and trying a little of everything on the menu? Well, this is your chance! Over 100 of the area’s finest culinary experts and enthusiasts will be throughout the campus for an evening of sampling and splendor at Cookin’ Fort Wayne! From the Fort Wayne Fire Department to legendary chefs, there’s something new and nostalgic for every pallet.
Apply as a Chef
We’re inviting Fort Wayne’s chefs and culinary enthusiasts to step up to the plate and showcase their skills for a great cause. Ready to be part of this culinary tradition? Become a participating chef and help us serve up a night to remember!
Get the VIP Treatment!: $250
You’re a VIP… you know it. We know it. So, immerse yourself in an exclusive experience above Fort Wayne’s skyline on the beautiful Do It Best rooftop. Delight in an open bar and treat your tastebuds to a sneak peek of our Mini Mains during a private performance by Sunglasses at Night. On your way out, experience love at first bite with the delectable Parlor Donuts and gain early entry into the main event.
- Exclusive Do it Best Rooftop view of Fort Wayne
- Open bar (beer and wine)
- VIP only Mini Mains
- Dessert: Parlor Donuts
- Private performance by Sunglasses at Night
- Early access to the main event
General Admission: $150
- A chance to indulge in 100+ food and drink from these four categories:
- —Mini Mains: Apps, entrée, soups, etc.
- —Grill Seekers: Smoked/grilled masterpieces
- —Pour Decisions: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- —Sweet Stop: Desserts
- Live performance by Sunglasses at Night
- Electric Works is a DORA campus allowing visitors to purchase drinks from an approved vendor and enjoy a stroll around a designated downtown area.
- Your chance at amazing prizes – coming soon!
Girls’ night out? Date night? Guys’ Night?
Whatever the vibe, we’ve got you covered – from drinks to dessert! Indulge in over 100+ bite sized temptations at Do It Best Foundation’s Cookin’ Fort Wayne event while Sunglass at Night sets the mood for a perfect evening. Sip, savor and make a few Pour Decisions along the way – we won’t judge!
Tasting your way through every flavor, whether you are a Grill Seeker, need a Sweet Stop, or ready to sample it all with our Mini Mains, this is one night your taste buds will not forget!
Apply to Volunteer
From registration to chef pod runners, there’s a volunteer opportunity for all capabilities.
1. Event Greeter Extraordinaire
2. Pod Runner Powerhouse
3. VIP Gurus
Visit our volunteer sign-up page to see detailed descriptions of each volunteer opportunity and join the crew!
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana (RMHC of Northeast Indiana) provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. RMHC of Northeast Indiana operates the Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Lounge, both offering care to families of hospitalized children 21 and under at no charge, as well as the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, a mobile medical unit delivering preventive pediatric care to vulnerable neighborhoods and at no charge to families without insurance. For more information on RMHC of Northeast Indiana, or to learn how you can help, please visit https://rmhc-neindiana.org/.