Grand Bahama Island — The Islands Of The Bahamas today signed on as the official destination sponsor of Real Men Cook, America’s annual, premiere urban Father’s Day family food-tasting tradition featuring men.

Held in 11 cities simultaneously on Father’s Day, Real Men Cook features approximately 1,000 volunteer chefs preparing their favorite dishes. The event also provides a platform where “real men” from all walks of life are honored for demonstrating extraordinary commitment to their families and communities.

This year’s event will be held on Father’s Day, June 15, and is expected to attract more than 30,000 people in Atlanta, Chicago, Benton Harbor, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. Food sampling in some cities include as many as 300 different dishes all prepared by dads and self-proclaimed committed father figures.

As the official destination sponsor of Real Men Cook, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation will have a presence in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York City and Washington, D.C. Colorful Bahamian chefs will be on-hand in these select cities preparing cuisine that can only be found in The Islands Of The Bahamas. Visitors to Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation booths in these select cities will also have an opportunity to register to win a grand prize trip for two to The Islands Of The Bahamas.  The four days-three nights trip consists of round trip air transportation and hotel accommodations at the Westin and Sheraton at Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort on Grand Bahama Island.

“Real Men Cook guests are in for a tremendous treat again this year. Our family message and legacy of promoting rich family experiences fits perfectly with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation message. The Bahamas is a destination that welcomes you and has a culture that satisfies all the senses, from the beauty of the country to the taste of the food,” said Yvette Moyo, cofounder and chief marketing officer of Real Men Cook.

In October, Real Men Cook will kick off its 20th anniversary year in the Bahamas. At that time, Real Men Cook is expected to announce plans to add The Islands Of The Bahamas to the growing list of Real Men Cook cities, the organization’s first-ever location beyond the shores of the United States.
 
““Real Men Cook is one of the premiere events in the country attended by African American families. As one of the premiere destinations in the Caribbean for African American families, I can’t think of a better organization for The Islands Of The Bahamas to partner with at this particular time. We are honored to join the ranks of people like Senator Barack Obama, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Tom Joyner and Eddie Levert, who have all hosted, served at or supported this great event,” said Eddie Archer, regional director of the African American Market, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.

Real Men Cook is presented by Real Men Charities, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago. The organization is on a national crusade to positively change the way the world views men in relationship to their families and communities and ultimately transform how Father’s Day is celebrated around the world. Since its inception, Real Men Cook has raised over $1 million for participating charities whose missions reflect Real Men Cook’s resolve to uplift the community.

Other national sponsors of this year’s Real Men Cook event include The Nielsen Company, Cuisine Noir Magazine, and the National PTA is a collaborator with Real Men Cook for increased father and significant father involvement in schools and the community.  Many other major brands also sponsor Real Men Cook events in local markets, including State Farm Insurance and The Home Depot.

Tickets for Real Men Cook are available nationwide through www.TicketAnnex.com . Advance ticket prices in all cities are $20 for adults and $10 for children. For additional information on this year’s event, please contact Real Men Cook at 773-651-8008 ext. 5 or visit the Web site at www.realmencook.com .

About The Islands Of The Bahamas:
Life in The Islands Of The Bahamas is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful, from the carefree Out Islands to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. With world-class diving and fishing, gorgeous turquoise water and miles of picture perfect beaches, the 700 islands of the Bahamas offer visitors the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com . To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from the Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com .

About Real Men Cook:
Conceived and launched in Chicago in 1989 by entrepreneurs Yvette Moyo and Kofi Moyo, and produced by the marketing firm they founded, Resource Associates International, Ltd., the growth of Real Men Cook into a national celebration has spawned the success of several branded products,  including Real Men Cook Sweet Potato Pound Cake®, a boxed gourmet cake mix, and Real Men Cook Coffee, which was introduced in 2007 and is available on line at www.realmencook.com .

The book REAL MEN COOK, published by Simon & Schuster, is now in paperback, by popular demand. The cookbook includes a compilation of 100 favorite event recipes and family celebration stories. It features a foreword that includes U.S. Senator Barack Obama’s memories of attending the events with his family.