Al Roker to Cook Up Excitement for Adoption in Cleveland

For Immediate Release
Contact: Shayna Blüm
September 4, 2012
[email protected]
(216) 223-8242
Al Roker to Cook Up Excitement for Adoption in Cleveland
NBC's ''Today'' Co-Anchor and Weather Reporter Returns to Cleveland
as Honorary Master Chef and Adoption Ambassador at Cleveland's Most Unique Fundraiser
Beachwood, Ohio – Former WKYC weather anchor Al Roker will appear at the 11 th
Annual Dave Thomas Celebrity Cookoff on September 25 th to support Northeast Ohio
Adoption Services (NOAS). In addition to a media personality, chef and author; Al and
wife Deborah Roberts of ABC's ''20/20'' are adoptive parents.
Roker will welcome guests at an afternoon reception before greeting evening attendees at
the Dave Thomas Celebrity Cookoff – where local and national celebrities of media,
sport, entertainment, art, politics and business will cook teppanyaki-style dinners at
Beachwood's Benihana restaurant to raise operating funds for NOAS and The Dave
Thomas Foundation for Adoption. The event is often hailed as one of Cleveland's most
fun and unique annual fundraisers.
Photo courtesy NBC Universal
Al Roker to appear and speak in support of adoption at
Beachwood fundraiser September 25 th .
Information and tickets at (330) 856-5582.
''Al Roker is a very energetic, passionate and personable example of an adoptive parent'',
said NOAS Executive Director Cindy Deal. ''We hope that his ability to touch and
energize so many people will boost public awareness of the joyous gift of adoption and
NOAS' value to our local community.'' Deal went on to explain that NOAS relies heavily
upon donation funding since public monies for its adoption services have been
drastically reduced in recent years. NOAS charges no fees to the adoptive families it
serves.
The September 25th afternoon reception is a limited-seating exclusive where Al Roker will be welcomed to Beachwood by Mayor
Merle Gorden. Mr. Roker will then share his personal story of adoption and also discuss his history as a Cleveland broadcaster, his
recent experience covering the 2012 Olympic games in London and his New York Times best-selling books on topics ranging from
cooking to fatherhood. ESPN motorsport analyst Griff Allen will moderate. The reception will then offer guests open time for
socializing with Mr. Roker. Tax-deductible tickets priced at $250 per person may be charged by phone during regular business
hours at (330) 856-5582. Additionally, attendees will be granted access to the auction portion of the Celebrity Cookoff, which
immediately follows the reception.
Later that evening, Al Roker will serve as Honorary Master Chef and Adoption Ambassador to auction-goers and diners at
Beachwood's Benihana restaurant. In addition to delivering a brief keynote welcome, he and Majic 105.7's Mark Nolan will
combine to build excitement as live auction ringmen. Premium live auction items include travel packages to the Smoky Mountains;
Venice, Florida and other exclusive destinations; character naming privileges in a Les Roberts * novel or Jenny Campbell's
nationally syndicated Flo and Friends comic strip; a private tour of Mark Nolan's garage; an in-home chef-prepared dinner for 12
and a Southeast Harley-Davidson Rock-n-Ride-n-Dine package combining a Zack Bruell dining experience, AMA Motorcycle Hall
of Fame Museum access, Breakfast Club backstage concert passes and weekend use of a Harley-Davidson. A silent auction will
precede the live auction. Additionally, Al Roker will offer a live auction item to be announced.
Celebrity chefs scheduled to appear include Olympic gold medalist Dominique Moceanu, Warrant heavy metal guitarist Billy
Morris, freestyle motocross legend Trevor Vines, WKYC reporter Amanda Barren, Macromedia co-founder Marc Canter, ESPN
Radio's Mark ''Munch'' Bishop, WEWS meteorologist Jason Nicholas and others to be announced.
A limited number of table sponsor opportunities – each able to accommodate up to eight diners – is still available and may be
purchased on a first-come-first-served basis by phoning (330) 856-5582 during regular business hours.
About Northeast Ohio Adoption Services
Northeast Ohio Adoption Services was founded in 1978 to provide adoption and foster care services to teens and school-age children in the child welfare
system by recruiting, preparing and supporting specialized families. Additional information about this 501(c)(3) entity is available at 1-800-686-6627.
* Scheduled to appear
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