Fat Cats Treats Hospice Families to a December Meal to Remember

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The sun setting over Lake Erie provided the perfect backdrop to a memorable December Meal to Remember at David Simpson Hospice House. For the fourth consecutive year, Fat Cats, the popular eclectic eatery in Tremont, donated, prepared and served residents, their families and caregivers a meal featuring some of the most requested signature dishes from their menu.

The Tremont restaurant has been described by one food writer as a “Modern American Melting Pot” with a menu that draws from a variety of influences, including Asian, European and North and South American cuisines.

Fat Cats provided a meal that served more than 100 patients, families and staff. Guests dined on Chicken Augusto, baked eggplant lasagna, scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, mixed spring green salads with house-made balsamic dressing, rolls from Cleveland’s On the Rise bakery and apple cobbler. Some couldn’t resist second helpings!

“We are grateful to Chef Sandoval and the Fat Cats culinary team for their incredible generosity,” said Bill Finn, president and chief executive officer, Hospice of the Western Reserve. “There is no greater gift than more time with loved ones, especially around the holidays. The simple act of gathering around the dinner table is an experience many of our families have not had for months so it is deeply appreciated.”

The Atrium was filled to capacity with guests seated at poinsettia-decorated tables courtesy of volunteer Pat Korcheck. As they dined, families were treated to piano medleys performed by hospice volunteer Nicky Bucur and accompanied by vocalist Michelle Dean. Families photos were taken by volunteer photographer Terry Krause to provide special keepsake mementoes.

In addition to providing photography, centerpieces and live musical entertainment, Hospice of the Western Reserve volunteers also assisted with setting up for the event and helping the culinary teams with serving and cleanup afterwards. 

Assisting at the Fat Cats Meal to Remember were volunteers Pat Korcheck, Colleen Brady, Doris Lantz, Dale Greenbaum, Marilynn Walsh, Andy and Judy Carran, Roy Page, Eileen Groh, Cynthia Hairston, Brenda Evans, Gordon Yonel, Jennifer Grano, John Martinich, Cindy Gagnon and Bridget Assing-Marok.

 “We are so appreciative of the support contributed by our dedicated volunteers month after month to make these dinners a success,” said volunteer service manager Lori Scotese. “We could not host these monthly meals without them.”

About Meal to Remember

Once each month, Meal to Remember brings a different Cleveland restaurant to David Simpson Hospice House so residents and their families can enjoy a restaurant dining experience together, complete with fine china and linens, wine and live musical entertainment. All food, time and talent are donated by the restaurant. Thanks to the efforts of volunteer Bridget Assing-Marok, the dinners are always accompanied by a selection of fine wines donated by Scoperta Importing, Inc.