John, Allentown

A man of simple means and tremendous character, the kitchen is where John is most at home, lovingly preparing meals for the benefit of others. John applies all he learned as a cook at the former Walp’s Restaurant. Having faced and overcome mouth cancer and endured multiple reconstructive surgeries, John knows firsthand the power of giving and caring and wants to share that same kindness with others.

For decades, John has served the Kitchen Ministry at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Allentown, joyfully preparing meals for all church functions. He regularly bakes for others and donates all contributions to ministry endeavors. He donates his time and expertise to make homemade crab patties to several churches to help raise funds for missionary programs. Every Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, you’ll find John preparing turkeys, hams and baked goods in his home, which he donates to local ministries serving the homeless.

Every month, John makes hundreds of cookies to donate to the Miller-Keystone Blood Center where he is proud to be a regular blood donor. John also volunteers once a month at the Allentown Ecumenical Food Bank and donates vegetables from his garden for their program.

As if that weren’t enough, John’s wife Lois, says that following his surgery 13 years ago, John began to cook all their meals. A new kitchen with modern appliances and conveniences would make John’s life so much easier and allow him to do more in less time. Asked when he will give up cooking, John replied, “When I drop over.”
Remember: The winner should be chosen for how deserving they are, not based on the condition of their current kitchen.