The employees of Cook Nuclear Plant have shown their generosity and culinary skills by organizing a series of lunch picnics and cook-offs to raise money for various community and charitable organizations. The events, which took place throughout 2023, were a great success, bringing in a total of $22,579.66 for causes that the employees felt a great connection to.

There were four different cook-offs, each with a different theme: a Dip-Off, a Bake-Off, a Chili Cook-Off, and a Smoke/Grill-Off. Employees voted for their favorites by putting money in the voting cups of their favorite dishes. The more cash, the more votes. The enthusiasm and participation was such that it wasn't unusual to see $100 bills used to "stuff" the ballot boxes! The cook-offs raised $6,491.66 in total, which was distributed among four organizations: Pennies for Patients, Lory's Place, Talons Out Honor Flight of Michigan and The Honor Network.

To complement the summer cook-offs, there was an End-of-Summer Picnic, which featured everything that you would find at a great summer picnic, including hot dogs and slushies. Donations were made in exchange for a plate and also a chance to win some great raffle prizes to enjoy the outdoors: an inflatable kayak, outdoor movie projector, 8-person tent, set of rocking chairs and even a Blackstone Grill. The picnic raised $3,394 for The Logan Center.

Not wanting to let the good times stop rolling just because summer was over, different departments took over the cafeteria and kitchen during the Plant's fall refueling outage to host a weekly picnic, each with a different menu and theme. The picnics were a welcomed break for the employees, who enjoyed the delicious food and the camaraderie. The picnics raised $7,002 in total, which was donated to four organizations: The Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Harbor Habitat for Humanity, Wonderland Toy Store with Mosaic CCDA and the Michigan Chapter of The American Heart Association. 

The cook-offs and picnics were not the only ways Cook Nuclear Plant employees raised money for charity. They also organized a golf outing for the United Way of Southwest Michigan. The sunny day was perfect for the 134 golfers who joined the event. Some of them even accepted a hilarious challenge: to hit the ball from the women’s tee box while wearing a tutu! The golf outing was a great success, both in terms of fun and charity, ultimately raising $5,692 for the United Way.

The folks at Cook Nuclear Plant have always demonstrated their commitment to giving back to the community and supporting the causes that matter to them. This year they really stepped up their game, proving they know how to have a good time and make the most and best of any situation. The lunch picnics and cook-offs were a lot of fun for everyone involved with the benefit of making a difference in the lives of many people. And... they are already planning for more fun events next year in the hopes of raising even more money and awareness for the charities they care about.