A Letter from Former Intern Gabby Gordon

Intern, Employee, Student

I thought I came to Giving Kitchen by mistake in the Fall of 2019. I was the very last student in my Bachelor’s Program at Georgia State University to be assigned an internship because I accidentally waited too late. I was sent to Giving Kitchen and had an interview within a week of me noticing and correcting my tardiness. The day of my interview at 513 Edgewood Avenue (GK’s old office), I was greeted by Leah, Kirk, the most friendly doggies, and a genuine atmosphere. During my interview, I was very nervous that this was not the place for me, but after my first month at Giving Kitchen, I was immensely proven wrong.  

Since the Fall of 2019, Giving Kitchen has become a foundation in my life that deserves more praise and thanks than words could ever describe. In my first month as an intern, I simply tried my best to do the work that needed to be done. Through me simply trying my best, they saw something in me that I was not able to see in myself at the time and pointed it out for me. From there, they motivated me to do more, encouraged me to grow in different areas, cheered me on through all my adversities, and guided me towards goals I initially thought were too large to achieve. Most importantly, they taught me how to love myself and truly take care of myself. To be surrounded by people who advocate that you take care of yourself, that you rest, that you talk out your problems through supervision, that you set boundaries, and that you ASK FOR HELP is the biggest blessing among them all. I have been working since I was 15 years old, and as a black woman in my early 20’s, that was the first time I experienced that kind of nurturing at a job. Now, after a global pandemic, a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work, numerous medical adversities, and so much more that 2020 had to offer me, I can confidently say; Giving Kitchen was always meant for me.  

Like many, I was not fortunate enough to know Chef Ryan Hidinger (inspiration behind the formation of GK) while he was here on this earth, but I am 100% confident that when anyone interacts with Giving Kitchen as a client, team member, intern, donor, supporter, advocate, etc., they are getting the opportunity to experience his energy and legacy in a way like no other. To be cared for, supported by, and guided by the best of the best and the most genuine people this world has to offer is nothing short of the Hidi Experience that I have heard so much about. And for that, my gratitude knows no limits or boundaries for Giving Kitchen. I will carry them everywhere and share their praises as much as possible because without them, I would not be where I am today.  

With Gratitude,  

Gabrielle (Gabby) Gordon  
Giving Kitchen Intern turned full-time teammate (and back to student)