Tag: Breaking Bread

  • Sunday 2/25 Edition

    YHC slow cooked some pulled pork and delivered it along with buns, BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and cookies to the residents of Southside Health Center. Was planning on sitting down with them for dinner but YHC’s entire family got sick in Florida this past week so I had Antoinette come pick up the food from my car downstairs while I masked up. Here’s Florence’s not-so-secret ingredients for pulled pork in the slow cooker :

    1 tablespoon Onion Powder

    ¾ cup Ketchup

    3 tablespoons tomato paste

    ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

    1 teaspoon paprika

    1 teaspoon garlic powder

    1 teaspoon mustard powder

    1 teaspoon cumin

    4 pound pork shoulder trimmed of excess fat

    Season with Salt and Pepper

    Slow cook for 9 hours

  • Breaking Bread: Family Edition

    My four year daughter and I spent Saturday night providing dinner for individuals in need. Bringing Ellie along allowed for the opportunity to demonstrate that acts of service and compassion need to be a central component of how we show up in our day to day.

    Listening to her observations about this experience and addressing her questions around generosity were both an excellent reminder that despite her being four years old, she’s keenly aware and observant of the little things in life. 

    It reminded me of the importance of striving to be a HIM and instilling in her the values of kindness, humility, and service. On the way home, she asked to stop at Dairy Queen for ice cream… so clearly I have a ways to go.

    Always grateful for the opportunity to contribute to what we’ve got going on in F3 RVA.

    Have an excellent weekend, gentlemen. 

  • BB CB Day Two

    Again, a little time at the stove and with some help from M Chum, prepared food and delivered it on Sunday, 1/29. Brian was on duty. Residents were assembled and watching Chiefs v. Ravens and greeted me warmly once again. Appreciated the opportunity to help this weekend.

  • Overdue but just in time

    Have admired, for years, F3 brothers finding the opportunity to arrange for food and encourage fellowship through Breaking Bread, but hadn’t taken the opportunity to participate. Had a few family health concerns to navigate in 2023 which helped bring into focus how fortunate we all are most days and how relatively modest efforts could help others. Signed up to prepare and deliver food both days this past weekend – the last weekend of January 2024. Following a little time in front of the grill and stove at the house – and with some help from M Chum – delivered on Saturday, 1/27. Residents were already assembled in the community room and were very welcoming. Delivered to Antoinette in the kitchen. Humbled by the experience.

  • Breaking Bread: NYE Reflection

    Spending New Year’s Eve contributing to breaking bread for individuals that need love, kindness, and support the most this holiday season was significant for me since I spent a majority of this year on the receiving end of that same kindness with a sick child. 

    2023 was a year that was nothing short of the bring you to your knees type of humility that life will serve up to you from time to time. In my case, it was when my 2 month old daughter, Liv, was diagnosed with high grade glioma brain cancer on 1/13/23. 

    Along with that diagnosis came the overwhelming support and kindness of family, friends, and strangers as we found ourselves on the receiving end of the same love, kindness, and support that was expressed this evening. At the end of the day, not having to worry about what to feed yourself (or the kids) was a relief and a huge comfort when switching between hospital and home stays.

    We lost count of the amount of meal trains and baked goods that individuals and families chose to bring to us, but what it did was instill a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude for how much impact small gestures of kindness and a warm meal can have on someone in need or enduring hardship. 

    With the year coming to a close and with it, a much healthier one year old girl, we find ourselves shifting from a place of needing support to one of giving back, paying it forward, and being the enabler of that support for others in the same way that this support was provided to us.

    I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of the F3 contributions to breaking bread this year and to close out a tough year by providing others with comfort and support in the form of a warm meal. 

  • Breaking Bread: Heist and Wildcat

    Wildcat and Heist, fitness warriors with hearts as strong as their bodies, decided to bring a unique twist to their usual workout routine. Instead of doing burpees, they lifted the spirits of those less fortunate. Armed with pizzas, cookies, and salads, they marched to a respite center, ready to spread joy.

    As they arrived, the aroma of warm pizza caught the attention of the homeless individuals. Wildcat and Heist, clad in their fitness gear, began distributing the food with genuine smiles. The contrast of indulgent cookies and healthy salads offered something for everyone.

    Antoniette, initially skeptical, soon found herself drawn to the warmth radiating from Wildcat and Heist. Their kindness and genuine concern touched her heart. She joined the communal gathering, savoring a slice of pizza and engaging in uplifting conversations.

    Laughter echoed through the respite center as the fitness warriors shared stories of triumph and resilience. The act of kindness not only nourished bodies but also nurtured a sense of community. Wildcat and Heist, with their burpee-free approach, became catalysts for a collective uplift.

    As the night unfolded, everyone felt a renewed sense of hope. Antoniette, once wary, was now part of the shared joy. The fitness warriors had not only brought physical sustenance but had also created a space where everyone felt seen and valued.

    In the end, amidst the shared moments and simple pleasures, Wildcat and Heist proved that true strength lies not just in challenging workouts like burpees but in the ability to uplift others and build a community where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can find happiness.

  • Nourishing Hearts, Building Bonds in 2023

    Nourishing Hearts, Building Bonds in 2023

    F3 Men and 2.0 serving meals for Breaking Bread

    As we bid farewell to 2023, let’s takes immense pride in reflecting on the remarkable journey we’ve had in providing meals for Breaking Break. This year has been a testament to the strength of our brotherhood, with 24 weekends dedicated to serving 194 meals to individuals in need.

    Our commitment to service was exemplified by the 26 F3 men who selflessly devoted their time to ensure that Breaking Break received not just meals, but a warm and compassionate touch. What’s truly inspiring is that several F3 men went above and beyond, serving on more than one weekend throughout the year.Special recognition goes to Gumbo, Fireman Ed, Rosie, EF Hutton, and Heist, who consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication by volunteering on multiple occasions. Their leadership and tireless efforts have been a driving force behind the success, turning weekends into opportunities for connection, kindness, and shared moments.

    Among the countless meals prepared, one that stood out as a favorite among Breaking Break is the heartwarming lasagna. For desserts, the chocolate chip cookie emerged as the clear favorite, delighting the senses and adding a sweet touch. These moments of joy and indulgence underscored our belief that a well-prepared meal goes beyond sustenance; it’s a gesture of love and solidarity.

    As we look ahead to 2024, let us carry the spirit of generosity, camaraderie, and community service that defined our efforts in 2023. F3 remains committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve, fostering connections that go beyond the dinner table. Together, we will continue to embody the core values of Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith. Thank you to the PAX for your dedication, compassion, and the shared belief that through service, we can make a difference in the lives of others. Here’s to a new year filled with even more opportunities to serve and uplift those in need.

    Let’s do more!
    Oyster

  • Sharing a little birthday dinner

    It was a great addition to YHC’s low-key 45th birthday to spend some time cooking dinner with my 2.0s and delivering the tasty product to the good folks at the Daily Planet medical respite facility…aka, Breaking Bread. Some tasty grilled chicken (using the same spice rub my son and I used for the grilled turkey breast on Thanksgiving), some roasted potatoes, salad, Hawaiian rolls and cookies was the menu, but the real blessing was spending that time planning, cooking, delivering and talking about it all with my 2.0s and my M. And, the cherry on top, was the thankful reception and gracious smiles received upon delivery and serving. If you haven’t done Breaking Bread yet, get on the sign up sheet for 2024 dates and get it done!

    No More Gumbo For You!

  • Thankful for breaking bread

    Swoop, his M and 2.0’s were the excited to have our first opportunity to participate in breaking bread. The whole family took time to help make the meal for 8 people this evening. I am sure the food was enjoyed by the people but I am also sure my 2.0’s were able to see how we can help those in need. Thanks again for the opportunity !

  • Dinner is on

    YHC and 2.0 made our way over to the Daily Planet to serve some deserving folks some food. Lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and cookies were on the menu. Not as many people as expected but they were grateful and happy for the potential of leftovers. Always a pleasure to serve.