Dinner Host Program

Dear Future Dinner Host, 

“All great change in America begins at the dinner table.”
-Former President, Ronald Reagan

Whether you are new to us or a valued friend, I invite you to help change lives in our community by sharing dinnertime with our residential scholars as a BHGH Dinner Host.

One of the primary goals of BHGH is to expose our scholars to a wide variety of people, ideas, and opportunities. Meeting new people in the community and sharing dinner with them is an ideal way to expand our scholars’ horizons. Dinner table conversations have led to many wonderful experiences for our scholars - being inspired to pursue a host’s profession; learning about cities and countries a host has lived in or visited; outings to a special art exhibit; and sometimes to the most valuable outcome of all, the start of a one-on-one mentoring relationship.

If you have not yet had an opportunity to get to know our scholars or if it has just been a while since you’ve had a chance to talk with them, being a Dinner Host is a wonderful way to enjoy these bright, engaging, and appreciative young people. It’s also a way to support our house parents, some of whom are full-time volunteers. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a night off from cooking? 

Below, in the form of FAQ's, you'll find a more fulsome description of what the Dinner Host Program is and what is expected of you should you choose to join us as a Dinner Host this year.  Also below is a sign-up sheet that I encourage you to complete and return. You may submit it to me directly using the document's "Submit" button, send it as an email attachment, mail or fax it (602.200.8426). Whichever method you choose, we'll be delighted to get you on the schedule. 

If you have any questions or would like to speak further about this or another opportunity, please feel free to contact me at 602.266.4873 or hlewis@bhgh.org.

As a BHGH Dinner Host, I guarantee that our scholars (and you!) will experience the power of change at the dinner table.

Sincerely,

Holly Lewis
Community Resource Manager

Dinner Host Sign-Up Sheet (348 KB)

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dinner host program?

Dinner hosts act as a valuable part of our residential program by volunteering to provide dinner and share an evening meal with the scholars in either our Boys Hope or Girls Hope home. The scholars benefit by meeting new people who share their lives with the scholars and expose them to new ideas and opportunities. The dinner hosts benefit by spending a couple hours with some of the brightest, most engaging, and appreciative young people in the community. And the house parents benefit by getting a night off from cooking for a houseful of hungry teenagers.

Scheduling

How will I be notified of my assigned night(s)?

If you are assigned an evening in the upcoming month, you will receive an email during the last week of the prior month. Please be sure that we have an accurate email address for you, and that you’re checking your email regularly so you do not miss these communiqués. You will be asked to confirm that you have received the schedule and acknowledge your commitment to cover your assigned night.

What time do I need to be there?

Dinner Hosts are asked to arrive no later than 5:45pm if you are bringing previously prepared food to serve. You may come earlier if you need more time to prepare or finish preparing your meal. If so, please notify the house parent(s) of your intended arrival time.

Dinner is served at 6:00 PM. Hosts will be free to leave no later than 7:30 PM.

What if I can’t make it on my assigned night?

As a Dinner Host, you are responsible for providing a meal on your assigned evening. If your schedule changes, you are responsible for calling the Dinner Host Coordinator 48 hours in advance so that every effort can be made to find a substitute Dinner Host to take your place.

If an emergency occurs at the very last minute, contact the House Parents directly. One alternative is to arrange for a meal to be delivered to the house by a local restaurant’s home-delivery service.

If I’m a seasonal resident or am gone for a few months in the summer, can I still be a Dinner Host?

Absolutely! The goal of the Dinner Host Program is to primarily provide dinners for the houses during the school year (September through April) when the house parents are the busiest.

Food-related Guidelines

As a Dinner Host, what do I need to provide?

You need to provide a complete meal. This generally includes a salad, entrée, vegetable(s), and a starch. Providing dessert is optional. Drinks will be provided by the houses.

How many people should I plan to serve?

Plan to serve 10-15 people. This will cover the scholars, the house parents, the dinner host(s), and perhaps a friend or family member who might be visiting. Not all scholars are home for dinner every night due to athletic practices, community service commitments, etc., but they will definitely enjoy the leftovers when they get home.

If I choose to cook at the houses, do the kitchens have all the equipment I will need? What about condiments, spices, etc?

The kitchens at both houses are fully stocked with a common variety of pots, pans, condiments, spices, salad dressings, etc. If you need something special, call the house parents in advance and ask what is available.

Is a gas grill available?

Yes, there are gas grills at both the houses. Please notify the houses in advance if you plan to use the grills so that they can assure the grills have the necessary propane.

Can I bring carry-out rather than cooking?

Sure! We would suggest, however, that it be something of quality and reasonably healthful. Rotisserie chickens, ribs, Chinese food, Boston Market®…all are good choices. We ask that you limit the number of pizzas, tacos, sub sandwiches, etc. as, like most teens, the scholars get plenty of fast food as it is.

Do I need to clean up?

No, there is no need for you to clean up. Your primary role is to provide dinner and enjoy dinner with the scholars and you’re free to go once dinner is over. Since the scholars are assigned weekly chores, including kitchen duty, they will promptly clean up the kitchen before they get back to doing their homework.

Can I take the scholars out to dinner instead of eating in?

Weeknights in the houses are dedicated to homework, extracurricular activities, community service, etc. Thus, much as the scholars would love to go out, it is not possible to organize a group outing to a restaurant.

Miscellaneous Questions

Will the house parents be there when I’m there?

Yes, there are typically two house parents on duty at any one time and they will be there and be joining you for dinner.

Can I bring my children with me?

Yes, your children are welcome. Just please let the house parents know in advance so they know what to expect in terms of setting the table.