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29 Spots Serving Up Pancakes For Feb 28th “Day of Caring”

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This Sunday, Feb 28th is a fundraiser for the homeless and hungry

Shelter and food…. we all need it.   We all deserve a warm meal, and a warm, dry place to live, protected from of the elements.
Daytonians who are the most at risk, lack these very basics needs of life.  It is easy to take such things for granted as we go about our business during everyday life.  But this weekend, local volunteers are putting the poor as first priority.  The Annual “A Day of Caring” event  is being held at various Miami Valley religious centers and event spaces.   It will benefit hungry and homeless from local neighborhoods.  Join The Food Adventures Crew Sunday, and support this cause any way you can.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:
— WHEN: Sunday, February 28th, most breakfast events are starting between 8am-10am, but check the list below

— WHAT: “A Day of Caring,” where over one thousand volunteers from various churches and charities are hosting dozens of Pancake Breakfasts.  One hundred percent of ticket sales go right back to local organizations like Dayton area food banks and Montgomery County housing charities.

 

— WHERE:  CLICK HERE for a list of over 30 sites serving the pancake breakfasts for charity

 

Since 1991 the “Day of Caring” events have raised over $500,000 for local charities.  This year seeks to add another $45,000 to the total.

Please support the “Day of Caring,” with a delicious breakfast

Chef House, Hungry Jax, and the Big Ragu, challenge our fellow Daytonians to get involved with a “Day of Caring” this Sunday, by attending a breakfast, volunteering your time or making a donation directly at this link HERE.

The effect of donations to these local food pantries and housing areas on the community is tremendous.  Help a hungry and homeless neighbor.  Visit one of the participating locations for the “Day of Caring.”

Want to volunteer?  For more information on how you can get involved, go to the Day of Caring Website at http://dayofcaring.us/

Follow Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here and catch us EVERY week for articles on DaytonMostMetro .com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can You Take A 3 hour Shift for Homefull’s Phone-A-Thon?

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64Homefull is hosting a Phone-A-Thon on June 24, 25 and 26, and they need your help!  Homefull, formerly The Other Place, was founded in 1988 in Dayton, Ohio and has grown to meet the challenging needs of our community in service to homeless persons. They have a bold vision of “a community where there is no homelessness” and a mission “to work to end homelessness by providing housing, services, advocacy and education.” Homefull offers a comprehensive continuum of care and services to those who are at risk of homelessness, to those who are currently homeless and to those who are formerly homeless. Their programs and services include street outreach, prevention and diversion, Gateway shelter assessment and case management, social enterprise Micro-Farm & Landscaping, housing search and placement, rapid rehousing, and supportive services in transitional and permanent housing.

Homefull is requesting you volunteer one 3 hour shift  to help Homefull connect with donors in a fun, energetic atmosphere! Training is provided on site the evening(s) you volunteer. Make a HUGE impact in helping to end homelessness right here in Dayton, Ohio! Take your pick of three shifts: Tuesday 6/24, Wednesday 6/25 and/or Thursday 6/26 from 6:30 pm-9:00 pm at our office. Free dinner is provided and there will be gift card raffle prizes for volunteers.   Bring a friend  or even a group with you to earn more chances to win fabulous prizes!

For more information or to sign up contact Carly with questions 937-293-1045 x 530.

 

 

 

 

Food for Thought: Charitable Food Adventures

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Nite at the Races !As the holidays approach, many charity functions are in full swing.  Food Adventures is honored to participate in and support over 40 local charities, all of them are close to our hearts.   Three of these special events are coming up in November, and we would like to share them, because they need your help and support.  So please if you can, take some time to attend these functions for people in need.

 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8th – RENT FOUNDATION’s “NITE AT THE RACES” at the IUE HALL at  1675 WOODMAN DR.

—What is this charity?  Helping families in crisis since 1995, the GDAA Rent Foundation pays rent for needy families who are facing temporary hardships.  Whether an illness, death in the family or some other tragedy, this charity helps prevent homelessness by helping real people locally who are living in apartments.  This charity is administrated through the Greater Dayton Apartment Association and could use your support.

Event Website click HERE     Charity Website click HERE

—What is this event?  Event features 10 horse races on the big screen, endless beer, soft drinks and food for $15.   Bring extra money to bet cash and win cash on the races, also raffle drawings, pull tabs and more.  Dayton Most Metro’s own Big Ragu is the emcee for this event!  Lots of good eats and drink for a Food Adventure !

 

 SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17th – MIAMI VALLEY ADAPTED SPORTS WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL EXHIBITION at the NUTTER CENTER:

—What is this charity? Miami Valley Adapted Sports provides recreational and competitive sporting opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities. MVAS has programs that promote physical fitness, character building and friendship.  One of the goals is equal opportunities for disabled individuals through education, training and networking.

—What is this event?  A wheel chair basketball game where the Miami Valley Adapted Sports kids take on  the staff of Children’s Medical Center

Event Website click HERE     Charity Website click HERE

 

 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22nd – AMBUCS CHILI COOKOFF at the MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS COLESIUM:

—What is this charity?  The South Dayton chapter of AMBUCS is a charitable service club, and one of 4 chapters in the Dayton area.  They provide free-of-charge, specially built tricycles called AmTrykes to facilitate therapy of disabled children and adults.  AMBUCS also provides ramps for families in need of mobility help and pays scholarships for physical therapy students.

—What is this event?  Various local restaurants put their chili to the test and you vote for the winner!  Price includes all the beer, soft drinks, wine, hot dogs and chili you want!  Also try you luck at casino games located around the fairgrounds coliseum.  You want a Food Adventure for a good cause?  This charity event is just the ticket.

Event Website HERE       Charity Website: HERE

Beer and Hot Dogs

AMBUCS chili cookoff includes beer and hot dogs too !

 

We love calling Dayton our hometown and we are grateful to be a part of these worthy charities.  The people involved and the organizations are first class.  Remember, life is an adventure (sometimes a Food Adventure), so please give back to the community and support these noble causes. 

For our foodie friends who were expecting a typical Food Adventure article with succulent pics this week, we are throwing you a bone below with a photo of our waiter Julio bringing us a “Thurman Burger from the Thurman’ Cafe in Columbus.”    Make sure you check out the gallery below for various photos from the 3 charity events featured in this article.

Want more from Dayton Dining’s serious eaters? Then “like”Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE

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Hope – This Exit

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Hope – This Exit

( Redemption – Next Exit )

Ted Williams - Homeless Radio Announcer in Columbus, OH

In the last 72 hours the world has witnessed the Cinderella story of Ted Williams, a homeless guy known as “Radio Man” holding the standard cardboard sign begging for help at an off ramp of I-71 in Columbus, Ohio. The scene is something we witness daily during our commutes. How many times have we all cringed and felt a bit awkward at the familiar site of our own local off-ramps? Wayne and Keowee being one. We all ask ourselves the same questions and have the same thoughts that last the duration of a red light. I won’t go into them here, but we all have the same basic thoughts and pangs of emotion. Sometimes those feelings are so strong we don’t make eye contact, let alone read the sign in hand. It was Ted Williams’ sign that took him on this journey, “I have a God given gift of voice. I’m an ex-radio announcer who has fallen on hard times.”

God granted a slow news day and the rest is history.

The story takes off when a reporter for the Columbus Dispatch took an interest and not only read the sign and gave him some change, but actually got out of his comfort zone and spoke to him. The voice that came back was shocking to say the least. The reporter returned a few days later to video tape Mr. Williams, then shelved it waiting for a slow news day. While that tape sat on the shelf Mr. Williams remained in his hovel in the brush by the interstate as winter set in.

God granted a slow news day and the rest is history. If you don’t know this story already, you are probably living in a hovel in the brush by the interstate. (or in a van down by the river.)  What took place in the few hours after that video went viral via YouTube was no less an act of God. Over 5 million views in the first 24 hours. I remember viewing it on my laptop from the comfort of my bed one very cold morning this week and was moved to tears. I can’t say what exactly resonated with me but it was instant and personal.

Obviously I was not the only one to have the “OMG” moment because by the end of the day Mr. Williams was being sought out by those who had something to offer and he literally over night was being courted by corporations and networks, flooded with job offers and even a house in one case.What he wanted most, to see his 90 year old mother. His mother. The one who prayed for his redemption and recovery from the painful pit of alcohol and drugs. She prayed for a rescue from his self imposed prison. He was the first to admit this is what took him to the street and that his voice, 2 years of sobriety, the clothes on his back and a newly developed faith in God was the only thing he owned in life. (and a pre-paid cell phone.)

Now, this story in itself is amazing and wonderful and I’m sure Will Smith has probably started voice training while his people buy the rights to the story. (If he can beat Oprah to it.) The REAL story here is the sense of community that developed during those few days. In the midst of greedy networks scratching and clawing for first dibs on this story for their ratings, a heart changing Grinch moment happened between rival network morning shows, The Early Show and The Today Show.

The usual production tricks kick off this event with Early Show delivering Mr. Williams elderly mother to LaGuardia to tape the end of their 20 year separation only for Today Show to make a power play and whisk Mr. Williams away when he landed staling the event as the jockey for position. Call it Karma or God or some kind of voice from the universe, something historic happened when the two networks brokered a deal to show the reunion between Ted Williams and his mother at the same time on Thursday morning. The prodigal son televised on a morning show. The world cheers and cries as he runs “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy….” a 53 year old man with a fresh haircut falls into his elderly mothers arms.

“What if that man was a famous painter?”

Community made this happen. This mother and child reunion resonates with us all. The redemption story resonates with us all. The realization that this could happen to any one of us as a parent or as a child should help us connect on some level. Ted Williams took his family through hell. He was far from perfect. We all want a second chance and a happy ending, if not for ourselves but for others. Imagine this being your child. Don’t think it can’t happen to you. I myself have stood in a church food pantry feeling like I’ve just had a TSA screening of my pride and dignity and asking myself  “WHY? We work hard, we have good morals, we are good people, how can this happen to US?”

On another level we all have the same desire to be heard.  “Deep down inside, many of us long to have our own inner greatness discovered by the world,” says Los Angles author and speaker BJ Gallagher. (“It’s Never Too Late to Be What You Might Have Been.”) Homelessness is not sexy and less dramatic journeys back from the edge happen every day.

Saint Patrick Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts

I saw a mini documentary once on Independent Lens about a homeless choir at Saint Patrick Parish in Lawernce, MA, and how the chance to sing and play an instrument gave dignity back to those on Skid Row. Since seeing that film I look at homeless people differently. “What if she was opera trained in voice?” “What if he was an amazing jazz drummer?” “What if that man was a famous painter?”

We can all relate to the hell of not having food or a warm bed, or at least we can imagine it. I for one cannot imagine not having access to music. No computer or radio. No MP3 player or even a cd player. What about films? What about just basic information? What a hell that would be. Mr. Williams didn’t even see this video of himself until he was plucked off the street. He knew nothing until the celebrity tsunami hit him.

It isn’t the first time we’ve seen this kind of fame in the last few years. The film “The Soloist” about a real-life classical musician, Nathaniel Ayers, who became homeless and was re-discovered is a beautiful story.

For those of you like me who delight in the cheesier side of things, what of accidental singer Antoine Dodson whose spot on local news shot to fame after being altered by popular site Auto-Tune The News made his “Bed Intruder Song” a hit world wide. He got his family out of the projects and is now on every D-list broadcast event you can imagine. (not counting Dick Clarks Rockin’ New Years Eve, which I still don’t understand the connection, but it happened.)

The beauty of Antoine Dodsons’ story holds the same element of Mr. Williams, they are using this new lease on life to help others. Spending celebrity wisely is a rare thing these days. Dodson, a victim of childhood rape, now has a phone app to help rape victims and endangered children. Ted Williams just recorded a commercial spot yesterday for Kraft Mac & Cheese that will air on ESPN Sunday during the “Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl” game. On the theme of internet sensations,  “Double Rainbow Guy”, nothing happening on that front, which is a good thing. Maybe he can help the legalization of pot effort, but I digress.

So, what does this have to do with Dayton or you or the world? Why write about this on DaytonMostMetro.com? I found it ironic that as I was following Mr. Williams story I was busy promoting an upcoming event here in Dayton to benefit one of our own off-ramp fixtures, Mr. Rick Sowa. Mr. Sowa has been the flower vendor at the Main Street / I-75 ramp downtown for over 20 years. He was shot in the arm and robbed last October as he was selling flowers like he has done every day. He was hospitalized for his injuries and is now back out on his beat. As a community many of us rallied around him. Many of us have never bought even one flower from him, but he belongs to our community, that’s what matters most.  Local artist, musician and author “Drexel” Dave Sparks put out the call for area musicians and venue owners to help raise money for Mr. Sowa. I am one that chimed in early on and am assisting Dave in organizing the event.

So, you might ask yourself, “Why help the flower guy? Lot’s of people need help.”Well, you are right. And if you know someone who needs help, do something. Whatever you can. Or ask others to pitch in. You don’t have to feed the world, just feed one. (I wish that was MY saying but it’s a quote I heard somewhere.)

I’ve never bought a flower from Mr. Sowa. I’ve never met him and do not know him. But when I drive by I ask myself those set of questions “What’s his story?” As a contributing writer here at DaytonMostMetro.com that is my goal, to find those in the community who are invisible or don’t have a place to be heard and tell their stories. Who knows, maybe the next Ted Williams is you, or someone you recognize. Everyone deserves to be heard. Meanwhile, stop by the benefit show for Mr. Rick Sowa at Blind Bobs on January 15. Hear some great music from bands that are donating their pay for the night. Drexel – Akillis Green – Oxymoronatron – Team Void – Okay Lindon – Chuck Cleaver

Speaking of community and being good hearted for the benefit of others, BIG PROPS to the band “Human Reunion” who endured a scheduling issue with the same date / venue and graciously moved their show to Jimmy’s Cornerstone Bar, the last show of that venues location before Miami Valley Hospital tears it down. Please buy a “Human Reunion” record and support them as well. Or, if you are ambitious that night, go to both shows! You can never get too much good Dayton music!

GladGirl