Hometown Heroes: Chefs on a Mission
By Cindy Fertsch
Chefs on a Mission is an organization of chefs in our area with extraordinarily large hearts. “As chefs, we take it personally when the people in our community do not have food,” says Executive Chef George Fisher who headed up the preparation of 2,400 Thanksgiving meals last week.
Chefs on a Mission donate their time and skills to ensure that no one goes without a warm meal. The group formed approximately 5 years ago and their mission is simply to help those in need.
It all began with soup. After touring the Atlantic City Rescue Mission the chefs saw a real need for fresh, whole foods and healthy options for the homeless. They began making soup every Thursday at the Rescue Mission. Within three years, the chefs had prepared 75,000 bowls of heart healthy soup.
From there, the chefs published a cookbook of their soup recipes. All of the proceeds go to support the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. As a result the Rescue Mission’s kitchen is now being remodeled. Upon completion, the chefs fully intend to get back in there, to make more soup.
This Thanksgiving alone, the chefs prepared 2,400 top quality meals for those in need. Under the direction of Chef George Fisher , the Executive Chef at the Atlantic City Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall, the group of twenty plus chefs spent all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving slicing, dicing, sauteing and preparing 250 turkeys at the Convention Center kitchen.These meals were given out to those in need at the Salvation Army, Sister Jean’s, Atlantic City Rescue Mission, Codi in Egg Harbor a city and more. Basically they were provided for all who were at risk of not having a meal on Thanksgiving: the poor, the disabled, the elderly and the veterans.
The work was immense , but the camaraderie was even grander. Many of these chefs go way back, working in kitchens together 10, 20 or even 30 years ago. George Fisher and Tim Milazzo recall being in culinary school together in 1984.
These chefs take it personal when someone goes without food. It matters to them and they are prepared to roll up their sleeves time and time again to help.
The chefs, especially Michael and Kimmie D’Angelo, also facilitate the donation of all the food that they prepare by the casinos, Sysco, vendors, US Foods, the Sheraton and local produce vendors. “Whatever we can get, we work with,” says Chef Wolfgang Geckler.
Additionally, the chefs reach out to support the organizations in our area that are helping those in need. They work closely with the Salvation Army, the Rescue Mission, Sister Jean’s, Covenant House and more.
After preparing 250 turkeys, Chef Wolgang prepared a Thanksgiving meal for 30 for his own family. “I’m done with turkeys for awhile,” he chuckles “Until Christmas.’
The Chefs are planning on serving another 2,400 meals for Christmas. They will again be preparing days in advance at the Convention Center kitchen. Then they will serve up the meals at different agencies throughout the area, such as the Salvation Army and Sister Jean’s.
These chefs are creating a legacy for future generations of chefs to follow. The Atlantic Cape Community Academy of Culinary Arts closed its restaurant before Thanksgiving and instead brought its students to the Salvation Army to learn a different, but equally important lesson.
“Tonight our students are learning about giving back, social responsibility and also serving in large volume,” said their instructor, Joe Sheriden.
Many High School student volunteers were also there volunteering and learning about the importance of giving back. They shuffled through the crowds carrying trays of food. And many different businesses and churches sent teams of volunteers to help.
Together the Chefs on a Mission have used their skills to create a tidal wave of generosity and giving back to those in need within our communities. They have pulled in businesses , large and small, future chefs and High School students. The legacy these chefs have created will live on in Atlantic City and our surrounding area for a long time to come. Kudos to Chefs on a Mission!
If you would like to volunteer or donate to Chefs on a Mission, call 609-335-5517.
