Thank You to Our Loyal Supporters!
Ronald McDonald House Charities® Eastern Wisconsin is able to fulfill its mission because of the generous support received from so many within the Milwaukee community – individuals, corporations, schools, churches, organizations and foundations. Their support keeps families together when they need it most. If you are interested in learning more about how you can help, please contact Bridget Kesner at 414-935-6511.
Joe Muench is best known for his culinary career as a leading chef in Southeast Wisconsin for the past 27 years. A graduate of the MATC Culinary Arts program, Joe worked his way from short order cook to Chef and Owner of Black Shoe Hospitality (BSH) with partner Dan Sidner. BSH is comprised of Maxie’s, Blue’s Egg and Story Hill BKC, all of which are a large part of the Wauwatosa and Milwaukee communities. Joe has kindly lent the culinary expertise of BSH and himself as the organizing Chef for RMHC Eastern Wisconsin’s Chefs’ Dinner for almost 20 years.
“I was introduced to Chefs’ Dinner when I worked for the chef who started the event and was handed the baton in 2002/2003. I like what RMHC® is about – families staying together during hard times with children’s health issues. It is really important to support a cause like that.”
In addition to his commitment to Chefs’ Dinner, Joe volunteers once a month as a Van Driver, transporting guests to and from the hospital and the grocery store. Joe loves being a Van Driver because it allows him to see how the House has a direct impact on guest families.
Joe feels so connected to RMHC and its mission because of one word: hospitality. To Joe, “RMHC is this neighborhood, this community woven into our own community, and the service that the volunteers and staff provide to the people that are in need emulates a lot of what we do at our restaurants. It’s really just about creating a community.”
Chef Adam Pawlak is a born and raised Milwaukee native who loves to give back to the community. Participating in our annual Chefs’ Dinner the past several years, Adam has seen the importance of raising funds and friends for our mission firsthand.
“[RMHC] is a great cause and they help families that have children going through tough times. [Chefs’ Dinner] is a great way for me to use my skills and passion to help out.”
Along with Chef Joe and Chef Adam, Chef Justin Aprahamian has assisted in the creation of some amazing dishes for our Chefs’ Dinner.
To Justin, “[The RMHC® Chefs’ Dinner] has a special place in my heart that goes way back to when I was in high school. Carrying on the event with Joe at the helm has been very special.”
