Our speaker, Joey Morelli of Max's Deli in Highland Park, shared with us his mission of helping people around the world with his non-profit, Joey's Food Fight. Joey has been up front about his addiction problems of the past and that he found through helping others, a great purpose. Inspired by Jose Andrés, of World Kitchen, Joey's goal is to go to 10 countries in 10 years. Once there, he cooks, gets the mothers to become his sous chefs and he feeds the community he's been asked to go to. He raises money through his social media videos and an occasional corporate sponsor like El Milagro when he went to Mexico. In Columbia he helped feed a village that is at the mercy of rain causing rivers of mud. The money he raised was able to help some rebuild and build a basketball and volleyball court for the kids. He plans to make recurring trips to these countries to continue his goal of feeding people. He also has a kitchen in Waukegan helping those who are hungry. He spent six weeks in Ukraine and nearly died when a bomb landed near him, but never detonated. The Ukraine people awed him with their strength and resilience. Feeding and bringing joy to these children in the communities he's been to, is what brings him joy. Here are just a couple of videos to give you glimpse of Joey's mission. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OMP6wJ0JLMU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbi_aU5t_xI OUR NEXT MEETING IS JANUARY 6TH AT MYAC, 5:30P - 7P If anyone else has ideas, has some time on their hands, or has a friend they think would love to know more about Rotary, please respond to this email.
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