By Multiple BTN Members
Cooking Up Comfort: Building Hope, One Meal at a Time!
At the heart of every home lies the kitchen—a space for warmth, nourishment, and connection. For the families staying at the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House, the kitchen serves an even deeper purpose. It offers a touch of normalcy during difficult times, a place to cook meals, share laughter, and build hope while navigating the challenges of caring for a sick child. After 20 years of dedicated service, the Ronald McDonald House kitchen had become lovingly used yet desperately worn down—appliances that half worked, cabinets barely hanging on, and a lack of ADA accessibility. It was time for a change.
Enter Paul Fernandez with Kitchen Koncierge, the passionate kitchen designer who worked closely with the Ronald McDonald House to design the space, select all the materials, and bring this vision to life. Fueled by a shared mission of “community in action,” Paul Fernandez brought together a powerhouse team of BTN members to completely transform the kitchen into a functional, beautiful, and accessible space. The team included:
- Paul Fernandez of Kitchen Concierge, who served as the lead designer
- Paul McKelvey of McKelvey Construction, who served as the lead general contractor.
- Sam Dabagh of Renova Construction, who managed the project with impeccable attention to detail.
- Johnny Bryant of ASL Electrics, who upgraded the electrical and plumbing systems with precision.
- Chad Compton of DEFI Construction, who brought expertise in laminates and finish carpentry.
- Aaron Burk of Burk’s Custom Painting, who added vibrant and polished finishes.
Thanks to a generous donation of covering materials, the team donated much of their time to bring this dream kitchen to life. From conceptual designs to material selection and implementation, the project was delivered under budget and on time—just in time for the holidays.
The upgraded kitchen is now a warm, welcoming space equipped with modern appliances, durable cabinetry, and an ADA-compliant section, ensuring accessibility for all. It’s a true testament to the power of collaboration and dedication to community service. Volunteers and local businesses now have a beautiful, functional space to cook meals for families, feeding not just their bodies but also their hearts and souls during challenging times.
“It was an honor to lead this project,” said Paul Fernandez. “The families at the Ronald McDonald House deserve a kitchen that feels like home, and thanks to the incredible BTN team, we were able to create that for them.”
This transformation underscores BTN’s mission of giving back, fostering community, and making a difference where it matters most. We’re proud to stand with the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House, creating a brighter space for brighter tomorrows.
