A Message From Ken Kehn | Executive Chef

The idea for this fundraising dinner came to me a little while back and has gone through several iterations to get to where we are. Those of you that know me might know that my son, Dean, went through a very serious and scary medical situation a couple years ago. Without getting into the details, it was something that you always think happens to someone else’s kid, not yours, and something that no kid should have to go through. He is doing very well now and there are so many people to thank for that.

During his recovery, one of the physical therapists had mentioned that he should apply for HH Ranch. I was familiar with the name from when we were part of Mazzone Hospitality, but didn’t know what they really did. The short version is that they are a summer camp for children with serious medical issues. What they provided for my son was a chance to have fun and forget a little of the ordeal he had gone through in a safe and welcoming environment. It provided my wife and I with peace of mind that he was in the hands of capable care that understood his condition and needs and would keep him safe while he was having that fun. From the moment that you pull through the gates and see the dozens of counselors singing, dancing and cheering for each camper arriving then chasing the car to the parking spot to get the child from the car and help them through check-in until you pick them up 6 days later, they made you feel that your child would be taken care of as if one of their own. They gave my kiddo a normal, fun and memorable experience on the heels of a very tough journey. What they do for these children is incredible and having experienced it up close, I cannot say enough good about what they do. 

From this is where the idea started to form. I wanted to do a dinner to raise money for HH Ranch, but I was looking for something to make it a little different and special. This is where the second part of what will make this special comes in. For the past 6 years, Dean has learned Karate at US Budokai in Clifton Park. They have always been great with the kids in teaching them not just karate, but discipline and good citizenship as well. I have been impressed with the number of fundraising initiatives they have had over the years, the good they do for the community and the way they get the kids involved. It was from this that I thought maybe we could partner on something. I brought the idea to them and they agreed that it would be fun to do a collaborative dinner. 677 Prime will provide the menu, pairings and management while US Budokai will provide the labor. It is a chance for these kids, teens and some adults to have the experience of executing a tasting dinner while helping to raise funds for a great cause. And I have to admit, selfishly, I am very much looking forward to being able to share a kitchen with my son and have him experience the pleasure of executing a meal of this caliber. 

I have been more than encouraged by the response I have gotten when I have shared this idea and the menu with others. I have several friends and colleagues that have volunteered to help guide the execution of this dinner and I think the fun we will be having will shine through in the experience for the guests. I am looking forward to seeing these exceptional youth in action and being able to raise a substantial amount of money for an entity such as HH Ranch. It is opportunities like this that make me proud to do what I do every day. I also need to thank Jaime Ortiz who supported my idea for this dinner and gave me the opportunity to pursue this.