Cooking and Cocktails for a Cause: Why It Matters

Click here for the press release from Childhelp.

When it became apparent that we wouldn’t be hosting our 100^th conference last summer, the CHART Board began to explore ways in which we could still create an opportunity for giving without an in-person service event. As soon as we were introduced to Childhelp, we knew there would be a fantastic partnership with a hospitality component that was so fitting for CHART!

We embarked on a mission to support Childhelp by doing what we do best – FOOD AND DRINK! During a time when the hospitality industry is suffering, we had a safe and interactive way to serve others by having fun in the kitchen. By mixing cocktails and boiling pasta, we raised over $5,600 for the prevention and treatment of child abuse.

When we are hurting, the gesture of goodness to another human being is restorative and healing for both parties.

Though we are all surviving the pandemic as best we can, one doesn’t have to look too far to find others in dire need of help. Organizations like Childhelp and so many others have experienced a sharp drop in financial giving, and the collective mental and physical health of all people have taken a significant hit. Our virtual “Cooking and Cocktails for a Cause” service event was an opportunity for all of us to look outside ourselves and breathe life into our core value of CARING.

As always, CHART members, staff and partners rose to the challenge and rallied around one another for an important and worthy cause. As we all navigate our paths in a changed world, one thing remains true: we notice more of what we seek. If you make it a point to look for kindness and generosity, you will see how our very humanity is being preserved by caring people doing simple things to show compassion.

On a personal note, I have found that often when we are hurting, the gesture of goodness to another human being is restorative and healing for both parties. Our industry has been crushed. Hotel occupancy is in the single digits, restaurants are closing and there is still a long road ahead. Still, we are the first ones to help, because it’s in our blood. It’s all we know how to do, and we did it in spades to help innocent children across the country.

My deepest thanks to Eileen Morang at Childhelp and to its founders, Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson for the work they’ve been doing since 1959. Please, read more about their stories at childhelp.org and continue to support their mission if it resonates with you like it did with us.

To all who created videos, donated, shared and supported this event: you have made a difference in the lives of young people and we are so grateful.

Nothing matters more – especially now – than caring.