The FATC fed the residents of Ronald McDonald House (RMH) twice in one week!! The Springfield guys now known as the FATC-SWMO for Southwest Missouri had their first get together of their small group (6) by providing the meal for the RMH at Mercy hospital in Springfield, MO. Then no less than six days later the guys up in St Louis did the same at the RMH next to the Mercy hospital at hwy 64/40 and hwy 270.
The FATC-SWMO guys consisting of George Wong, Randy Stephens, Ted Betzen (and his bride), Bob Heath, Donna Powers and Kenny Klimes decided for their first time they would make something a little simpler – Tacos. Of course, everyone loves Tacos. It was a great night of service and fellowship. The five fly fishers had the opportunity to “bond” into good friends. It was a fun night and I think there will be more. Next time George won’t buy so much food, ha, ha – it’s a learning process.
Six days later the FATC guys in St Louis area met to feed the RMH at Mercy hospital with their famous meat loaf meal. To watch these guys in action was amazing. They have this down – meat Loaf, mashed potatoes/gravy, green beans w/bacon, rolls, chocolate chip cookies and more. The eight guys hit the ground running at 4:30pm and dinner was served exactly at 6pm. It was an awesome sight to see all eight guys working together in harmony. The stoves were cooking, and the ovens were baking. And without missing a beat as soon as the families started eating the cleanup began. Paul Jacoby’s team of head chef Mike Bisaga, Christopher Beahm, Doug Smedley, Denny Garner, Don McCain, Harold Bates, and Kenny Klimes were running on all cylinders. The FATC in St Louis have been doing this for about four years now and they have it down. The FATC-SWMO will get it down and we will have two locations that serve the families staying at the RMH.
The RMH mission is to provide a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children. In Springfield there are two RMH and in St Louis there are three RMH. Each RMH provides a community living environment where families can sleep, eat, take a shower, do laundry, watch TV, and spend time with other families who are facing similar situations.
To all the FATC that serve or have served the RMH, I just have to say – I love you guys and so does RMH! If you haven’t served yet you are missing out!
