A bunch of men cooking together in one kitchen would seem like a recipe for chaos.
But for the better part of two decades, a group of golfing buddies from Hixson has been doing just that at the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Chattanooga.
They call themselves the "Hixson Grillmasters."
The Ronald McDonald House, a home away from home for families of critically or chronically ill children, serves dinner cooked by volunteers every night for the families staying there, said Jane Kaylor, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities.
"The last six to nine months has been our busiest months ever, since the house opened in 1990," Kaylor said. "We've been 100 percent occupied. A lot of the families have had siblings with them, so we've been really busy."
On the first Tuesday of each month, Hixson Grillmasters organizer Gary Brown and a crew of 10 to 12 men show up without fail to grill for the residents.
Depending on the weather, lead griller Charlie Lovern might be found standing under an umbrella in the rain, or out in 15- to 20-degree weather, according to fellow grillers Harry Hartman and Don Nelson.
Brown, the group's organizer, said the group's impetus was a sports mishap at Warner Park that left one of the men's sons with a brain injury. Now they men are giving back for the hospitality and support from Kaylor and her staff of volunteers
But the need for more food supplies continues, according to Kaylor.
"Our food pantry, typically, this time of year gets low. It's probably as low as it's ever been. A few donations have come in. But we need everything that you need at your house," said Kaylor.
Brown said the Grillmasters decided to try to help.
"What is concerning us now is the cupboard is nearly bare. That's why this past month, we decided to pass the hat and try to get them stocked back up."
After the Hixson group anted up, Brown went to a local grocer friend last week and ordered a large amount of nonperishables for the pantry.
"We just needed to step up," said Brown.
Members of the Hixson Grillmasters cook for Ronald McDonald House families on the first Tuesday of the month. The group is there to give back for one of their own. From left are Royce Raines, Dick Dodson, Dick Reese, back center, and Charlie Lovern.