The Magic of Hospitality is Love
When I think about the heart of Culinary Care, I always come back to one simple truth: hospitality is love. It’s that feeling you get when someone goes out of their way to make sure you feel welcomed and seen. At Culinary Care, every meal we deliver to a cancer patient carries that message. It’s more than just food—it’s hope, care, and a reminder that they’re not alone. And recently, I had an inspiring chat that really highlighted why this mission is so important.
Why Hospitality is More Than a Meal
I had the pleasure of talking with Todd Blair, the senior marketing director at ITW Food Equipment Group, a company that’s been an incredible partner to us since 2018. Todd’s team supports the hospitality industry by providing essential commercial food equipment, but what really struck me was how deeply they resonate with our mission. Todd shared, “Hospitality is all about helping others, and the people we serve do what they do because they love seeing people happy.” It’s a sentiment that couldn’t be truer.
This idea—that food is more than nourishment—sits at the very heart of Culinary Care. Every meal we deliver isn’t just about calories or nutrients; it’s about sending a little joy into a tough day. It’s knowing that someone out there, someone you might never meet, cares enough to make sure you’re okay.
The Chaos Behind the Magic
What Todd shared about the restaurant industry really hit home for me. We’ve all seen how tough it is to keep a restaurant running, especially after the pandemic. From rising costs to staffing challenges, it’s no walk in the park. And yet, these chefs and restaurant owners show up with heart, day in and day out. Why? Because they genuinely care about creating moments that matter.
Todd put it perfectly when he said, “Those who love what they do make harmony out of chaos.” That’s the magic. Despite the frantic nature of the kitchen or the hurdles they face, restaurants manage to deliver experiences that make you feel special. It’s the same magic we try to bring to our patients at Culinary Care.
Even though our patients might not see the rush of activity it takes to prepare their meals, they do feel the care and effort that goes into each one. They tell us things like, “I’m sad to finish my chemo because I won’t get these meals anymore.” That right there says it all. We’re not just serving lunch; we’re serving moments of comfort and connection.
The Real Heart of Hospitality
Talking to Todd reminded me why we’re so committed to working with local restaurants. Yes, it’s more costly than other options, but there’s a reason we choose them over pre-packaged snack packs or generic meal replacements. It’s because, like Todd said, hospitality is about love and making people feel appreciated. Restaurants have this incredible way of infusing each dish with the heart of their chefs and teams. That warmth makes all the difference for our patients.
During our chat, Todd shared how, even when things go off-script or when the restaurant world feels upside down, those who love what they do find a way to pull it off for their customers. That’s the kind of spirit we see in our restaurant partners. They’re the ones who, even when they’re struggling, would still choose to give.
I’ll never forget when the pandemic hit, and restaurants faced shutdowns. Our partners had supported us for years, donating meals to help our patients. Suddenly, they were the ones needing help. We knew if we told them we planned to pay for meals, they’d tell us not to. They’d figure out a way to keep donating because that’s just who they are. So, we didn’t tell them. We just did it. We kept ordering, knowing it was our turn to step up for them as they had for us.
Making Love Tangible
The magic of hospitality and the magic of what we do at Culinary Care is that it all boils down to love. Todd put it best when he said, “Everything boils down to love for other people, and that in itself is magical.” Whether it’s a chef perfecting a dish or our volunteers sending out a birthday card, love is woven into every detail.
And that’s why we’re so excited for our upcoming gala, “The Magic of Generosity,” on November 14th. It’s going to be a night where 30 amazing chefs come together to show just how powerful love can be. Each dish will be a testament to the community spirit we’ve built and the unwavering care that’s shared through good food. Trust me, you’ll feel it in every bite.
Join Us in Spreading the Magic
This November 14th, we’ll celebrate this spirit at our annual gala, “The Magic of Generosity.” The event will gather 30 passionate chefs, each bringing their culinary expertise to showcase how love, community, and good food can uplift spirits and inspire hope. We invite you to experience firsthand how Culinary Care and its partners infuse love into every meal and how you, too, can be a part of this meaningful journey.
Join us in spreading the magic—because when we come together with open hearts, we create more than meals; we create a community of love.