The Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House (LARMH) is one of the main charities sponsored by MPISCC. In addition to participating in the annual “Walk for Kids” that is held every April, the Community Outreach Committee decided to take it up a notch this year and host one of their “Meals of Love” dinners at the house in the form of a Mac-n-Cheese/Chili contest.
This past St. Patrick’s Day at the Ronald McDonald House was probably like no other for many of us who were there.
The experience of feeding the families of these children undergoing serious medical treatments was very moving. Seeing the smiles on their faces gave us the impression that they were not only grateful but that they welcomed the reprieve from the long despairing hours in the hospital.
One of the main highlights of the evening was the “Mock-tail Bar” created by Executive Chef Kevin Harry from the LA Hotel Downtown (soon-to-be Hyatt Regency Hotel), who brought with him all the fruit ingredients and juices, along with his shaker, to create this fun bar experience for the kids.
Libby Zahary, the Director of Sales & Marketing, acted as his bar
Meredith Delfosse with the Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills helped coordinate a great game activity for the families, and the winning family received some great prizes including a GoPro Camera donated by Jeff Sekido at Disney.
We enjoyed some amazing chili, including a delicious organic chili made by Christine Hartman of Ice Hat Creative and a Chef creation delivered by Michelle Baird from the Hilton Garden Inn Marina del Rey, which actually won the chili contest. The winner of the Mac-n-Cheese contest was brought by Renee Tao.
Winnie Tayzon with the Westin Bonaventure, Haley Powers of