Amerks Offer Smiles And A Home-Cooked Meal To Families
February 24, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Rochester Americans News Release
Chris and Lisa Taylor know all about the services offered by the Ronald McDonald House Charities. It was just over 13 years ago that the couple resided in the Hamilton, Ontario, residence after their son, Nicholas, was born.
"This is a bit reminiscent," said Lisa. "I tell you it is wonderful for families that are not from the area."
"We know how important it is to donate your time," said Rochester Americans center Chris Taylor.
Tuesday evening it was their chance to give back to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester. The Taylors and their kids Samantha and Nicholas joined Amerks Clay Wilson and Jamie Johnson at the house, which is located to nearby Strong Memorial Hospital, to prepare a home-cooked meal for the residents.
The crew prepared trays of spaghetti, pots of meatballs, plates of garlic bread and mounds of Caesar salad for 30 people. Wilson took charge at the meatball pot, stirring the sauce and keeping a watchful eye on the contents. Johnson rolled up his sleeves and scrubbed pots and pans. Taylor was on spaghetti duty and worked with his daughter to load pounds of noodles into the large silver pans. Lisa Taylor was the supervisor and displayed the coolness of Chef Gordon Ramsey of "Hell's Kitchen" fame.
"Everything is a team effort," said Wilson. "If the meatballs are good then I am the meatball guy."
Meanwhile the Amerks Moose strolled down the hallways and dining area, greeting kids and their parents. The families also received autographed yearbooks, lunch bags and key chains and stickers. Some even posed for pictures with the players like Wilson and Johnson who took photos with youngsters Michael and Sean.
"It is great to help out anyone that needs help," said Johnson, who enjoyed his two hours at the Ronald McDonald House. "Some are going through tough times and it is great to do anything little to help out."
The visit by the Amerks was part of a partnership created through the Amerks Business Advisory Committee, which has donated dozens of season tickets to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester this season. The generosity of the American Hockey League team and its players has not gone unnoticed.
"It is something special to have players from a professional team come and take time out of their busy practice schedule to serve families. I hope it means as much to them as it does to the families," said RMHC Executive Director Judie Griffin. "They are cooking dinner for families they may never meet because they are still at the hospital. How wonderful to have a home-cooked meal when they get here. It is very special and that is from the bottom of my heart."
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester, NY, is to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Ronald McDonald House Charities cares for parents of the most critically ill and injured children at the "House Within the Hospital," which is located above the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. They also provide a Family Lounge on the Pediatric Floor at the Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong that brings the caring spirit to all families with children in treatment. Additionally, Ronald McDonald House Charities funds programs that improve the health outcomes for children in our area.
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