Cooking for the kids

The second annual Phyllis Prater Memorial Cook Off is set to return to Morrison next month, with organizers hoping to build on a successful inaugural event which raised thousands of dollars for local student scholarships.

The event is scheduled for June 6 at Prater’s BBQ in Morrison, where teams from multiple states are expected to compete while helping raise money for the Phyllis Prater Scholarship Fund.

The memorial event honors the late Phyllis Prater, longtime co-owner of Prater’s BBQ alongside her husband, Gary Prater. Phyllis, who died Oct. 24, 2024, was widely known throughout the community for both her work at the popular Morrison restaurant and her civic involvement.

Last year’s inaugural cookoff drew 23 teams from several states, including Ohio, West Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky and Virginia. Organizers said the event generated approximately $35,600 through sponsorships, donations and T-shirt sales, with roughly $28,000 remaining after prize payouts to support the scholarship fund.

That fundraising success helped the scholarship program award 12 scholarships worth $2,000 each this spring, including 10 scholarships to Warren County High School students and two to Coffee County students.

“Last year we had teams from West Virginia, Ohio, Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Kentucky,” Gary Prater said during the Warren County Commission’s May meeting. “We’ve already got 14 teams coming this year. It’s all about the kids, so hopefully we’ll have a good day and I hope everyone can come out and join us.”

Sponsorships are currently being sought for the event, with several levels available. A $250 sponsorship includes a name printed on the event T-shirt, while $500 sponsors will also receive signage at the event. Sponsors contributing $1,000 will receive both signage and business logos featured on event shirts.

Organizers plan for the cookoff to continue as an annual event benefiting the scholarship fund while honoring Phyllis’ legacy of community involvement and generosity.