Deacon Dining Shares the Love Through Community Service
This February, Deacon Dining chose to celebrate the season of love in a meaningful way—by giving back to families in the local community. Instead of focusing solely on holiday treats and on‑campus festivities, members of the Deacon Dining team dedicated their time to serving families staying at the local Ronald McDonald House, a place of comfort and support for those navigating the challenges of pediatric cancer treatment.
The Ronald McDonald House provides a home‑away‑from‑home for families whose children are undergoing critical medical care. Wanting to offer warmth, relief, and a sense of togetherness, Deacon Dining staff and chefs volunteered to prepare a full dinner service for the children and their loved ones.
The carefully crafted menu included:
- A handcrafted charcuterie board featuring an assortment of cheeses, fruits, and artisanal selections
- A crisp wintergreen salad highlighting fresh seasonal ingredients
- Braised short rib alongside rosemary‑garlic chicken breast
- Roasted asparagus risotto, prepared with care to bring comfort and nourishment
After dinner, families were invited to enjoy a creatively inspired jewelry‑making activity, adding an element of fun and connection to the evening. The craft session gave children the opportunity to express themselves while creating keepsakes to bring a moment of brightness to a difficult journey.
For the Deacon Dining team, the experience was a reminder of the powerful role food can play in fostering community. We love giving back to our community, and we believe that the power of a good meal can bring people together to the table, regardless of the challenges they may be facing.
Through compassion, culinary talent, and a commitment to service, Deacon Dining turned dinner into a celebration of kindness—bringing comfort, joy, and a taste of home to families who need it most.