CEO Executive Cook Off at Hope Lodge

For 15 years, members of the American Cancer Society CEOs Against Cancer® – St. Louis Chapter have traded the boardroom for the kitchen to support cancer patients and their families.

This year, that tradition continued with Hope on the Menu: CEO Executive Cook Off, bringing together St. Louis business leaders, local chefs and special guests for an evening of food, friendly competition and—most importantly—mission at the World Wide Technology American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in St. Louis.

During the evening, CEO Chapter Members & Liaisons teamed up with talented St. Louis chefs to prepare meals and compete for bragging rights in front of a panel of judges.

Leading the culinary teams were Patrick Whitener of Union Station Hotel, Adam Lambay of Ballpark Hilton and Luke McKean of Carbon Members Club, who partnered with executives to put their culinary skills—and teamwork—to the test.

Adding some St. Louis sports spirit to the evening was celebrity judge St. Louis Blues alumnus Barrett Jackman. But the competition was only part of the story.

The Executive Cook Off has become one of the St. Louis CEO Chapter's longest-running traditions because it gives business leaders an opportunity to experience the American Cancer Society mission in a personal way.

Hope Lodge provides a free place to stay for cancer patients and caregivers who must travel away from home for treatment. Beyond providing a room, Hope Lodge creates a community where guests can find comfort, connection and support during an incredibly difficult time.

For CEO Chapter members, spending an evening at Hope Lodge is an important reminder of what their leadership, advocacy and support make possible.

Behind every meal served, every volunteer hour and every dollar raised is a patient or caregiver who doesn't have to face cancer alone.

The Cook Off also carries special meaning in 2026 as the St. Louis CEOs Against Cancer Chapter celebrates its 15th anniversary.

Since its founding in 2011, the Chapter has brought together many of the region's most influential business leaders around a shared belief: CEOs can use their companies, employees, relationships and voices to help change the course of cancer.

That leadership shows up in many ways—from fundraising and corporate engagement to employee wellness, advocacy, volunteerism and nights like the Executive Cook Off.

The setting may have been a kitchen instead of a boardroom, but the leadership was the same.

The success of the Executive Cook Off is made possible by the chefs, executives, volunteers, celebrity judges and American Cancer Society team members who give their time and talents to make the evening special.

After 15 years, the tradition continues to demonstrate what the CEOs Against Cancer Chapter is all about: relationships, leadership and action coming together to make a meaningful difference for people facing cancer.

And for one night at Hope Lodge, that impact was served one plate at a time.