Kevin Finch
Executive director at Big Table. “Big Table’s mission is to care for those in crisis in the industry with the highest concentration of need in our nation – the restaurant and hospitality industry.”
Why are you passionate about caring for those working in the restaurant and hospitality industry? I love people and I love food so serving those in crisis in the restaurant and hospitality industry absolutely feels like my vocation – the sweet spot where my delight meets real critical needs in our world. After five years as a food writer and restaurant critic, I began to see behind the smiles of those in restaurants and hotels and realize this one industry welcomes all our most vulnerable community members. Yet, as a result of giving jobs to those no one else will hire, the rates of poverty, addiction and so many other risk factors are overwhelming. The need is stunning and so often unnoticed, but the reason I’m so passionate is that this industry is full of people who truly are amazing – many of whom joyfully care for others even when their own lives are falling apart.
If someone is new to nonprofit or volunteer work, how do you recommend they get started? Find a need that hits home for you or an organization that is doing something practical that matches up with your heart. Then decide how much time a week or month you can help, protect it on your calendar and get to work. If there aren’t simple places to volunteer that address the need you see, get creative and start small with something you can do on your own or with few friends.
How can readers support Big Table? Our Big Table website has a whole section on simple practical ways you can support Big Table as well as get involved in care personally wherever you are. We even designed a guide for “How To Care While Eating And Sleeping.”