Giving back, one meal at a time is what a few local celebrity chefs are doing as a new partnership with the Ronald McDonald house.
“I think that cooking is the greatest expression of love,” said April Thompson, celebrity chef and founder of the non-profit Shoulder to Shoulder.
She is spreading that love to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, hoping to lighten the load.
Kitty Johnson and her daughter have been staying at the house periodically for eight years and said they’ve enjoyed the new addition.
“It makes you feel special and more at home,” said Johnson.
Her daughter agreed.
“We don’t have to worry about what we’re going to do for dinner, we can just relax after a long day of appointments,” she said.
The program brings in local celebrity chefs to work with volunteers to prepare and dish out a gourmet meal, and the dine with them.
“There are no words, but thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Johnson.
Gratitude, that’s mutual for Chef April Thompson too, who said she’s making food for the belly and the soul.
“They thank you for being here and tell you that you’re appreciated, it’s something,” Chef Thompson said as she teared up.
