September 26, 2026

Giving back has always been important to me. And over the years I’ve learned that sometimes the best way I can help is pretty simple… cook.

This weekend I had the opportunity to prepare a private dinner for 10 that was auctioned off to benefit a nonprofit I’ve been involved with for over 20 years.

The menu included homemade pizza, Chicken Marsala, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad and homemade ice cream. A lot of prep, a lot of pans, and yes… a ridiculous amount of stuff packed into the car.

But this one was about more than dinner.

My cousin Steve joined me as my sous chef, and in one of those small-world moments, the winning bidder turned out to be our elementary school gym teacher. You really can’t make that stuff up.

Food has given me some pretty incredible experiences. Culinary school has pushed me to learn more, cook better and get outside my comfort zone. Dough Daddy Cooks has introduced me to even more people along the way.

But being able to take those skills and use them to help an organization and community I care about might be the best part.

You don’t always have to write a check to make a difference. Sometimes you give your time. Sometimes you give your talents.

And sometimes you show up with a car full of food, hotel pans and enough kitchen equipment to make your family wonder if you’re ever coming home.

Bringing people together, one bite at a time.