The Power of Benevolence

In these times of both bad and scary news, we all seek out “feel good” stories to give us hope for the human race. There is nothing that makes us cheer more readily or happily than when we come across a story showing the power of benevolence and how local groups can still make a difference for their friends and neighbors. So get ready to cheer happily…

The Giving Kitchen was founded a few years ago in Atlanta, Georgia with the express purpose of offering aid and support to workers in the local restaurant community. Specifically, their focus is to directly aid anyone afflicted with a medical problem, from accidents to life threatening illnesses. To date, they have helped hundreds of people with grants in excess of $500,000, often becoming the difference between these workers losing everything they have worked for due to medical problems. 

The Giving Kitchen helps by paying rent, covering additional medical expenses, and even travel costs for family members to come and assist in their recovery. It is funded in part through the local restaurant industry, who have held numerous also proud to be part of this positive and important effort. In addition, Staplehouse, a local and popular Atlanta eatery, donates 100% of its profits into The Giving Kitchen. 

This mission initially grew from the hearts of Ryan and Jen Hidinger, a local couple that had been part of the Atlanta restaurant community for years. In late 2012, Ryan was discovered to be in a late stage of cancer. Facing treatments, health costs, and emotional trials, the community came together and raised funds to help them in Ryan’s final months of life. In return, Ryan and Jen gave birth to The Giving Kitchen which has shown tremendous growth and enthusiasm since its inception. 

This is perhaps one of the best tales of how the generous and unselfish act of benevolence can empower friends, colleagues, and even strangers to step up and offer a helping hand to another human being in need.