Last Saturday evening, Nick and I went with two of his colleagues and their spouses to make and serve dinner to the families currently staying in the Ronald McDonald House at Legacy Emanuel hospital. Nick’s new company, Biamp, footed the bill for food and decorations, and the six of us were in charge of creating a menu, shopping and serving the food for about 40 people. Nick and I volunteered to be the head chefs (basically by default, as everyone else declined) so we decided on one of our old standby’s – Stuffed Baked Idaho. Inpsired by the wonderous creation that Claim Jumper serves, it’s really your basic baked potato, but with a delicious helping of steamed veggies and blackened chicken and a alfredo cheese sauce. Our version was less exotic, and we turned it into a baked potato bar, adding in your more traditional potato toppings.

The evening was exceptionally fun, as we got to get to know a few of Nick’s co-workers, and we felt really good about what we were doing. The Ronald McDonald houses are a sanctuary for families who’s children are staying in or need to be near the hospital. They are an incredible resource and source of comfort to these families who come from out of town, and can focus on their children’s needs instead of having to worry about paying for lodging, travel and other necessities.

It’s amazing how a small experience serving others can make a big difference in your own outlook on life. What we did was not that big of deal – just a simple dinner. But families coming home after a long day in the hospital did not have to worry about where to get dinner, or having to make it. If they didn’t make it in time, the staff at the house wrapped it up for them to reheat later. And we were able to gain a better understanding of what these Ronald McDonald Houses do for families. There was an incredible playroom for the children and their siblings, computers with internet for families to stay in contact, a full-size and well-stocked kitchen and private rooms. There is also a friendly and caring staff that work to meet the needs of the families. They ask that families participate in keeping the place clean and pay $20 a night, but no one is turned away because of inability to pay. I left feeling a definite connection to this wonderful charity, and you can bet I won’t pass one of those little Ronald McDonald House change jars again without depositing what I can.

Getting the final touches together…

The spread…yummmy!