From left to right: Matt Fish (Founder, Melt), Melvin Reyes (top, @cravetheland), Tricia Chaves (top, @ptaomdotcom), Ben and Julie Kowalczyk (@beardandbroad), Jen Rome (@whycle), Heena and Kushal Mistry (@KushFood), Michelle (@clevelandfoodiegirl) and John Koehn, Neil Sanchez (Director of Operations, Melt)

Cleveland is a foodie town, and in the past decade the food scene has exploded. Thanks to social media, so has blogging about the best treats and eats in town. We often turn to these social media gurus to point us in the direction of where to eat and what to order, as they showcase the best eateries around.

The RISE & Dine meal program, which pairs Cleveland Chefs with volunteer groups, is relatively new but has already made a significant impact not only in the lives of the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, but in the community as well. Chefs volunteer their time to serve incredible food that offers variety and comfort to the families. The volunteers not only get to spend the afternoon learning from Cleveland’s top chefs, but they also get to help feed the families at the House.

On July 10th, prominent Cleveland food bloggers volunteered their time, and social media skills, to the House by participating in a RISE & Dine experience with Melt Bar & Grilled founder, Matt Fish, and Director of Operations, Neil Sanchez. Under the guidance of Melt, the bloggers worked at five different stations to help prepare the evening’s meal. Given the summer season, the dinner was BBQ inspired and consisted of Melt’s famous Backyard BBQ Grilled Cheese sandwich (a vegan version was also prepared), potato salad, and watermelon salad.

Following dinner, the group toured the House to learn more about the impact of their volunteerism. The RISE & Dine program is a unique experience, and the bloggers were able to combine their passion for food and Cleveland pride to raise awareness for the Ronald McDonald House and the program. Their involvement helped to make this extraordinary event memorable. “It was a fun and rewarding experience and [we] are looking forward to doing this again sometime in the future.” said Heena and Kushal Mistry of @KushFood.

Know a group who would be interested in participating in a RISE & Dine experience to help feed families staying at the Ronald McDonald House? Click the button below and submit a Group Volunteer Form today!