I am so happy to present to you Ralph Power, Second Helpings’ Volunteer of the Month for May 2024!
Michael, one of our Kitchen Coordinators, shared this: “Ralph has been a big part of the Thursday morning Tilt team. Beyond making delicious meals, he has taken the lead with roasting vegetables, helping chop onions and garlic, making trips to the cage for ingredients to support other tilt operators and so much more. We recognize him as a leader in the kitchen by being a major support to our mission, as well as a welcoming smile to new volunteers and telling plenty of jokes for all. We thank Ralph for everything he does!”
Learn more about Ralph in his own words below.
How did you become involved with Second Helpings?
My wife Hope started at Second Helpings in 2015. Our family would volunteer for many years at Christmas time. When I retired in 2022, I knew being in the Hunger Relief Kitchen at Second Helpings was what I wanted to do.
What things have you done since you began volunteering with us?
While I have served cutting meats and vegetables as well as a day in the Hub, my focus is being on the Thursday Morning Tilt Team creating meals and doing food prep for future tilts. I learn something new every day!
What have you liked best about volunteering with us?
Being active in the overall Second Helpings mission, participating in hunger relief in our local community, and I enjoy being with the SH staff and volunteers. I really look forward to being at Second Helpings every Thursday!
What are you most proud of accomplishing through your volunteer work here?
Serving the hours needed to earn a Second Helpings shirt and hat!
What do you do when you’re not volunteering with us?
We like to travel and to get to know an area. We are caregivers to Hope’s dad in Cincinnati and to my sister in Phoenix. I follow auto racing; primarily IndyCar, Formula 1 and USAC short track. I’m upping my game in cooking; Second Helpings always gives me ideas to try something new.
Do you volunteer for any other organization?
For the annual National FFA Convention and Expo (all those blue coats you see each fall); a bus chaperone taking high school students from all over the nation on tours of local agricultural and STEM-related businesses. For Rebuilding Together Indianapolis; perform a variety of home repairs for local elderly residents. For MathCounts; grade the annual competition exams.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Maybe two things; I lived in Hawaii from 1969 to 1971 and saw just about every rock band (think Hendrix, Joplin, Doors) from that era in concert. I have been to every Indianapolis 500 since 1981.