Crawford says escaping from domestic violence is tough. The victims often are too scared to follow through with charges in the court system.
"I wish they would have more laws against it, but the victims don't stick with it," she says.
Trudy Stevens, Boyle County Circuit Court clerk, is another person planning to attend the event. All of the county's domestic violence cases are filed in her office. For 2005, a total of 164 domestic violence petitions have been filed, with 147 of those being new cases.
Stevens says she thinks it's important that victims know protection is available 24 hours a day.
"When our office is not open, they can go to the law enforcement agencies and get protective orders."
She's bringing a Grape and Nut Salad
Stevens says she has been to all of the cooking events. She plans to bring a Grape and Nut Salad, which she often makes for gatherings at Lake Cumberland. Most adults like it, she says.
"It's got a refreshing taste. They'll eat it for dessert," she says of the recipe she found in Southern Living.
Crawford plans to bring Corn Bread Salad to the lunch.
"I think it's just a summer dish, but everybody likes it," she says of the recipe that came from her friend, Mae Harris.
The recipe does not mention it, but she likes to use the juice from the pickles to mix with the mayonnaise.
The dish calls for bacon, but sometimes Crawford takes the easy way by using real bacon bits.
"I just try to do everything quick," she says, noting that she usually sprinkles the bacon bits on top.
Crawford usually is cooking for her husband, Greg, and children, Tremeeka, and James Gregory. She also has a 2-year-old granddaughter, LeAndia, and one grandchild on the way.
Crawford's husband, who is a Danville firefighter, is in a wheelchair after an Aug. 29 wreck, but she says she is thankful that he finally is home recuperating.
"He stayed at Cardinal Hill for a week."
The wreck caused a severe injury to his shoulder and he had a hip replacement.
Crawford says the show of support from co-workers has been wonderful.
"His friends from the fire station came and built a ramp and everything."
Making a salmon dish
Laurent Houekpon, who will be making a salmon dish, works with the Brenda D. Cowan Coalition for Kentucky, which provides housing for survivors of domestic violence. The office also provides legal aid and works with the local office of the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program, which Kitty Thomas oversees.
Houekpon is excited about money the state recently received that will provide 12 months of housing to survivors of domestic violence. It is aimed at housing survivors who already are employed.
"All they need at this point is just a little push. They are already working, they just lost a house."
Houekpon says he is grateful for all the cooks who are supporting the event, especially the Beckers who are providing the meeting place, catering and beverages.
The cooks
Famous cooks include: Boyle District Judge Jeff Dotson, Danville Police Officer James Monroe, Laurent Houekpon with the local YWCA satellite domestic violence office, Steve and Mimi Becker of Toy Box Catering, Boyle Circuit Clerk Trudy Stevens, Beverly Sleet with the Danville-Boyle County Public Library, Andro Crawford with More Hair, Perryville city commissioner Anne Sleet, Lou Anne Qualls with Pioneer Vocational Services, Tillie Stallworth, Ethyle Hunn and Rachel White with the Danville Housing Authority and Cathy East with Pioneer Vocational Services. Cooks in training are Rev. Lin Nguyen of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and Jamey Gay, Danville city commissioner.
