Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Dr. Mary Ludwig Montgomery County Free Clinic’s annual fundraiser, Dining with the Chefs, had to be held virtually this year.
“When we realized that we weren’t going to be able to gather in person with the chefs this year, we had to devise a way to reach our audience through the internet,” said executive director, Kay Nannet, NP. “Board member Chuck Ranspach of Blue Marketing volunteered his time to film our volunteer chefs and edit a presentation featuring four different recipes and our message about the clinic’s fundraising goals.”
It was a new experience for everyone involved, but Nannet said that the busy volunteer chefs — Dr. Richard Warner, Lali Hess, Jason Anderson and Hannah Thompson — took time out of their schedules to film each recipe as they prepared it in their own kitchens.
“The presentation went live as planned on Aug. 8,” she said. “We’ve had over 350 views so far and are thankful to everyone who took time out to watch the program and donate and we do want the community to know that the program is still available to view on Youtube (just search for Dining with the Chefs at Home Edition). The recipe book is now available as well at Support the Clinic at Dining with the Chefs.”
Nannet said that more patients than ever require the clinic’s services at this time.
“Historically, most of our patients are employed but can’t afford health insurance,” she said, “And of course there are now more unemployed, uninsured people due to COVID-19. We are doing our best to keep up with demand but still need help from the community.”
Donations can be given through the clinic’s website or by mail. For more information about the clinic, call 765-362-3244 during business hours or find the clinic’s Facebook, Instagram and web pages.
As for next year’s Dining with the Chefs, Nannet said, the hope is to hold the event in person next year.
“But if that proves impossible, we’ve learned a lot about holding virtual events and will be ready to go,” she said.
