The Ave Herald

Smoke from as many as 20 charcoal grills will fill the air of the Ave Maria town center in January for the 2^nd annual Sunshine State Steak Cook-Off.

In addition to the steak cook-off, there will be the Family Fun Festival during the day, featuring events, games and activities for the whole family throughout the Ave Maria town center. Both events raise money for the Rhodora Donahue Academy in Ave Maria.

Steak Cook Off chairman Tom Smith says applications have already been submitted to compete in this year's competition and he expects to serve up as many as 1,000 steaks - more than double the number cooked in the event's debut in January (pictured, right).

The cook-off awards a top prize of $1,000 to the team that is judged to have cooked the best steak.

"We have had over 45 requests for applications to date," Mr. Smith said. Competitors pay an entry fee of $100 and need to provide their own grill. Steaks and charcoal will be provided.

Steak dinners will cost $15, which includes a 16-oz. boneless ribeye steak, baked potato, salad and a drink. Tickets are on sale now at the Ave Maria University bookstore in the town center or by calling 239-304-7032,

Grill team applications and information on sponsorship opportunities for the event program are available at the Donahue Academy website here.