Farmers & Merchants Bank President W. Henry Walker Tapped as New ‘Chef’ Executive Officer

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Nov. 27, 2013 - PRLog -- Farmers & Merchants (F&M) Bank President W. Henry Walker, long recognized for his generosity and dedication as a community advocate and philanthropist, especially when it comes to the health and welfare of young people, has traded in his pinstriped suit and power tie for a chef’s apron and hairnet.  Partnered with wife Erin, Walker is participating this year in Miller Children’s Fourth Annual Cooking for Kids competition – a public “cook-off” on Dec. 5, benefitting the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center (JJCCC) at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach.

The hotly contested cook-off is one part of a comprehensive campaign pitting seven teams against one another in a test of culinary arts, Facebook fandom and fundraising.  Cooking for Kids (https://www.facebook.com/events/1409554739275289/?ref=5) kicked off earlier this month with social media and online donation overlays, and the charitable program culminates one week after Thanksgiving with each team unveiling its ultimate recipe in a good old fashioned cooking competition.  The event gets underway at 6 p.m. in the Promenade Ballroom Lobby of the Long Beach Convention Center – with tickets (http://www.millerchildrenshospitallb.org/C4K) now on sale.  Aptly named “Team Sydney (http://cookingforkids.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPa...)” in support of third-grade cancer patient Sydney Waldrop of Long Beach, Walker’s team already has raised more than $20,000 in donations.

“From the moment we met Sydney, she melted our hearts with her energy, her resolve and a smile that could light up Long Beach,” said Walker.  “Sydney and all children bravely battling cancer are deserving of our love, support and commitment to raise funds as well as awareness until a cure is found.”

In 2012, Waldrop was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Sarcoma.  Less than 50 cases worldwide have ever been reported.  Within 24 hours of the diagnosis, pediatric surgical specialists removed part of a cancerous mass near her spinal cord – one of two major procedures she initially underwent to address the rare and malignant form of cancer.  Waldrop is one of more than 800 children treated each year at the JJCCC for a complete range of childhood cancers and serious blood disorders.

Cooking for Kids launched successfully in 2010 as a creative way to support the Adolescence and Young Adult Oncology Program at the JJCCC at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach.  This year, seven “celebrity” chef teams have together raised nearly $50,000 – with donations being accepted through Dec. 5.  In addition to the appeal of their culinary masterpiece, teams are judged on total money raised and total Facebook votes.  One lucky duo will walk away with the title of Ultimate Chef.  Learn more and donate at www.mchlb.org/c4k.

About Farmers & Merchants Bank

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Founded in Long Beach in 1907 by C.J. Walker, Farmers & Merchants Bank has 23 branches in L.A. and Orange counties. The Bank specializes in commercial and small business banking along with business loan programs. Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach is a California state chartered bank with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Member FDIC) and an Equal Housing Lender. For more information about F&M, please call the media contacts listed or visit the website, www.fmb.com.

About the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach
The Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center (JJCCC) at Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach provides comprehensive, family centered care to children with cancer, sickle cell disease and other serious blood disorders in a culturally sensitive environment. The Center is known for its comprehensive psychosocial programs and multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. JJCCC improves outcomes, prevents complications and enhances the quality of life for children with cancer and serious blood disorders by integrating new clinical research efforts into treatment plans. JJCCC recently opened its doors to a new floor, adding 24 private rooms in a home-like setting. Visit MillerChildrens.org/Cancer (http://www.millerchildrenshospitallb.org/cancer), like us on Facebook.com/MillerChildrensHospital (http://www.facebook.com/MillerChildrensHospital), follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/MillerChildrens) @MillerChildrens and on Instagram @MillerChildrens.