Family dinner with a community twist

MEDINA — For many families, a night out at a local restaurant that does not come with a drive-thru window is a special occasion as dinner is not ordered through an outdoor speaker. But that's what happened Monday at a popular Medina restaurant. For the second year in a row, Twiisted Burgers and Sushi, served up a three-course meal to dozens of families in need. Attendees were students who qualify for free, or reduced, lunches through the National School Lunch Program. These children are also participants of Weekenders for Children, a Feeding Medina County program that sends a grocery bag of healthy food and snacks with students to ensure they have food to eat over the weekend. For many, this event offers the chance for these families to experience a dinner out at a restaurant. Twiisted owner Chris Pappas said it was his and his wife's goal to give back to the community if they ever owned a restaurant. Last year, Pappas reached out to Sandy Hinkle, executive director of Feeding Medina County, with the idea of doing something impactful and different from a regular donation. The Christmas dinner at Twiisted was developed. Each week, Feeding Medina County hands out more than 1,000 Weekender Bags to 32 Medina County elementary schools. A certain percentage of students were chosen from the elementary schools and invitations were sent out. The first year, approximately 60 kids and their parents attended the event. This year, invitations were sent out to churches, along with the elementary schools, and the numbers grew to 122 kids and their parents. "The first year we were taking reservations up until the day of," Pappas said. "This year, we filled reservations the first week." Hinkle loves to witness this experience for families. "It's eye-opening and gives you a different perspective of things going on in our county." Many participants are extremely grateful for the opportunities provided to them like the Weekender Bags and Pappas' event. Many children unanimously agreeing that "I didn't have food and now I do," "people care," and "I am thankful that I get a breakfast." Twiisted manager Julie Putnam, said Pappas and his wife, Kelly, are big into giving back to the community and that the event is another reason she is proud of where she works. Planning started back in November and included purchasing gifts for children that attend, setting the floor plans, and scheduling the staff members who volunteer their time to work the dinner. Not only did the staff volunteer, Twiisted provided the three-course meal free to attendees. Volunteer staff included servers Robin Ward, Madeline Wade, Kayleigh Houger, Averi Simonovich, Clarissa Greer and Sherri Cannavino; kitchen cooks Keith Lewis and Maria Fleming and managers John Charek and Julie Putnam. Additionally, four of the staff's children came to volunteer as Christmas elves: Saege Mendham, Averey Mendham, Parker Putnam and Riley Charek. Putnam said the community is pleased with Twiisted Burgers and Sushi and its involvement in the community. "I think they are happy to support a business that supports the community in different ways," she said. "The customers are really like an extended family here." With the second year in the books, Pappas and his staff said they cannot wait to host Christmas again next year. For more information on Feeding Medina County, visit their website feedingmedinacounty.org. Contact reporter Lydia Mainzer at (330) 721-4060 or areanews@medina-gazette.com