Celebrity chef surprises families with meals and more as part of ‘Hope for the Holidays’ campaign – Boston News, Weather, Sports

GARDNER, MASS. (WHDH) – A local celebrity chef has been delivering Meals on Wheels to local families burdened with need.

Chef Ming Tsai has teamed up with nonprofit Family Reach to surprise local families with pre-Thanksgiving meals, gifts and essentials as part of his Bing Dong Dine campaign.

One of the households he surprised this week was a family in Gardner who were struggling with a tough battle with cancer. 3-year-old Bradley was diagnosed with brain cancer last year and according to his mother Kara, the financial strain was taking its toll until Family Reach stepped in.

“It saved us — we were very overwhelmed by everything that was going on with[Bradley]so having Family Reach pay our rent was a huge deal,” Kara said Monday.

The concern is close to the heart of the chef, as his wife was diagnosed with cancer five years ago. Visiting families like the Garretsons means a lot to Tsai.

“For me to see Bradley and see the impact I’ve literally had on this family — I’m the one to thank Family Reach,” Tsai said. “I thank Bradley’s family for giving me this opportunity because it fulfills me and completes why I’m on this planet, honestly.”

The founder of Ming Bings said the group is trying to raise $500,000 as part of the Hope for the Holidays campaign with Family Reach before the end of the year.

“Anyone can make a difference,” Tsai said. “$5 can make a difference and you will feel better when you give.”

Tsai has worked with Family Reach since 2012. During that time, he has reportedly helped raise more than $10 million for the foundation.

Anyone who would like to donate to the “Hope for the Holidays” campaign can do so do this here.

For more information on Chef Tsai’s Bing Dong Dine campaign, click here here.

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