On Tuesday, February 3rd, we held our first dinner of the year. As usual, I (Ken Welter) spent a few hours on Monday hitting Costco, Walmart, and Aldi to gather all the groceries we’d need.
I arrived early on Tuesday and began preparations, organizing groceries, pots, and pans in anticipation of our volunteers’ arrival. I had barely started when Steve Baker showed up. Shortly after that, Paul Jocoby arrived, and we were off and running.
Joining in on the fun were first-timers Lorenzo Squellati, John Bloss, and Jim Bingley, along with regulars Bob Born, Harold Bates, and Larry Mangels. I believe this was our largest group of volunteers yet, which meant we were easily able to get everything ready by 6:00 p.m. Sure, we were occasionally running into each other and stepping on toes, some quite large, but everyone seemed to have a great time.
We also had a very special guest join us—check out the group photo. His toes were the ones getting in the way.
These dinners always give us time to catch up with current members and meet new members. Our regular menu features “Cowboy Meatloaf,” mashed potatoes, green beans with onions and bacon, gravy, dinner rolls, and chocolate chip cookies.
Turnout for the dinner was lower than usual, but as the Ronald McDonald House staff often reminds us, by Wednesday, all the food we prepare will be eaten. Many families staying at the House spend long hours at the hospital with their children, so no matter what time they return, a home-cooked meal is waiting for them.
After we finished serving, we all sat down to enjoy a meal together.
Our next meal preparation will be on May 5th. Keep an eye out for an email in April and sign up.
