Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
City Union Mission will become a four-star restaurant Tuesday with a little help from some famous local chefs.
On March 24, Michael Smith and his team from the Farina and Extra Virgin restaurants will prepare a hearty meal for the men at City Union Mission. Smith is a James Beard award-winning chef.
The restaurants’ owner, Bill Lyons, contacted the Mission on Friday. Lyons told City Union Mission that in the midst of the current stay-at-home order, he plans on keeping his staff employed and wanted to give them something productive to do since the restaurants are closed.
What will the chefs prepare at City Union Mission?
The chefs and their staff will prepare and drop-off hot, delicious meals to feed nearly 200 men at City Union Mission’s Men’s Shelter, to include clients in the long-term Christian Life Program.
“We are certainly looking forward to having the Farina and Extra Virgin restaurant teams cook for our guests,” said Chief Executive Officer Terry Megli. “What a treat this will be for our homeless men, especially in the midst of the current virus concerns, to know that someone cares enough to do something special like this can really brighten their day”.
Megli says it’s a way for the homeless and others who are struggling to feel valued and be the center of attention.
“When you’re feeling hopeless and struggling with homelessness or just trying to survive day-to-day, there are few pleasures in your life. The efforts of these individuals will make a difference for these men knowing the community cares for them,” Megli stated.
The men in the Christian Life Program will be served dinner at 5:00 pm, followed by the Men’s Shelter guests at 7:30 pm – both groups will be dining at the Mission’s Men’s Center (1108 E. 10th Street, Kansas City, Missouri).
For more information on City Union Mission’s full range of programs and services or to make a donation, visit cityunionmission.org.
–Metro Voice staff
