Some of the most lasting moments at the Pittsburgh Fisher House happen through shared meals, simple outings, and time together. Individuals, families, and groups can support guests by hosting meals, experiences, or community-led efforts that offer connection, rest, and a change of pace during long medical stays.
Hosting a Meal at Pittsburgh Fisher House
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Sharing a meal is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to support families staying at the Pittsburgh Fisher House. Individuals, families, businesses, and community groups are invited to prepare and serve meals that bring comfort and connection during long hospital stays.
Hosted meals are typically scheduled on weekday mornings or evenings, when most guests are available before or after visiting their loved one at the hospital. Hosting a meal is simple, flexible, and guided by our staff. The details below walk you through what to expect. |
Getting Started
To host a meal, please contact the Fisher House Managers to select a date and time and review the guidelines with your group in advance.
Heather Frantz and Tessa Paivanas
If this is your group’s first time hosting a meal, you may be asked to meet briefly with management staff during business hours prior to your scheduled date.
Heather Frantz and Tessa Paivanas
- 412-360-2030
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
If this is your group’s first time hosting a meal, you may be asked to meet briefly with management staff during business hours prior to your scheduled date.
What to Expect
Hosted meals are relaxed and flexible. Guests’ schedules often change with little notice due to medical needs, and attendance may vary from day to day.
We do not measure the success of a meal by how many guests are present. The time, care, and generosity you bring are appreciated regardless, and all guests benefit even if they are unable to join you in person.
We do not measure the success of a meal by how many guests are present. The time, care, and generosity you bring are appreciated regardless, and all guests benefit even if they are unable to join you in person.
How MAny People Should We Cook For?
We recommend preparing food for 15 guests, plus your volunteer group.
Occupancy changes frequently, and leftovers are always appreciated. Please label and date any leftovers and store them in the designated “fair game” refrigerator for guests to enjoy later.
Your volunteer group is welcome to join families for the meal. Please include your volunteers in the total headcount when planning.
Occupancy changes frequently, and leftovers are always appreciated. Please label and date any leftovers and store them in the designated “fair game” refrigerator for guests to enjoy later.
Your volunteer group is welcome to join families for the meal. Please include your volunteers in the total headcount when planning.
What the Kitchen Provides
You provide the ingredients, labor, and care. The house provides the rest.
The kitchen is fully equipped with:
Pantry items such as spices and seasonings are available for use if needed.
The kitchen is fully equipped with:
- Pots, pans, cooking utensils, and serving dishes
- Two cooktops, two ovens, and two microwaves
- Dishwasher and crockpot
- Plates, silverware, and serving essentials
Pantry items such as spices and seasonings are available for use if needed.
Preparing & Serving the Meal
Meals may be prepared offsite or cooked in the Fisher House kitchen. Buffet-style service from the kitchen island works best.
Dietary Considerations
There are no formal dietary restrictions. Guests with allergies or other needs will ask about ingredients directly if needed.
Guidelines for Hosting
To ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all families, hosted meals must follow these guidelines:
If your group is preparing dinner, at least one volunteer must arrive before 4:00 p.m., when the professional staff end their workday, to ensure access for the rest of the group.
- A maximum of five volunteers may be on site
- All volunteers must be 18 years or older
- All activities, including clean-up, must be completed by 6:00 p.m.
- All leftovers must be labeled, dated, and stored properly
- No alcohol is permitted anywhere on the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System campus, including alcohol used as cooking ingredients
- The Fisher House is a secure building. Doors should never be propped open, and volunteers should not admit anyone who is not part of the approved group
If your group is preparing dinner, at least one volunteer must arrive before 4:00 p.m., when the professional staff end their workday, to ensure access for the rest of the group.
Before You Leave
Before departing, volunteers are asked to:
Your care in leaving the kitchen clean helps ensure the space remains welcoming for families and staff.
- Package, label, and store leftovers
- Wipe down counters and common areas
- Load and run the dishwasher
Your care in leaving the kitchen clean helps ensure the space remains welcoming for families and staff.
Ready to host a meal or have a question before you begin?
Contact the Fisher House team at 412-360-2030 to get started.
Contact the Fisher House team at 412-360-2030 to get started.
Support can also mean giving families a moment away.
Host an Experience
Some volunteer opportunities take place beyond the walls of the House. Hosting an experience gives families a chance to step away from the hospital and the daily routines of caregiving, even if just for a few hours.
Individuals, families, businesses, and community groups are invited to sponsor and accompany guests for simple outings that provide connection, distraction, and a sense of normalcy during long medical stays. Experiences are coordinated in advance with House staff to ensure they are appropriate, supportive, and respectful of families’ needs.
Examples of experiences include:
Individuals, families, businesses, and community groups are invited to sponsor and accompany guests for simple outings that provide connection, distraction, and a sense of normalcy during long medical stays. Experiences are coordinated in advance with House staff to ensure they are appropriate, supportive, and respectful of families’ needs.
Examples of experiences include:
Movie Night
Movie nights offer families a relaxed break and a shared experience away from the hospital campus. |
Ballgame
Accompany guests to PNC Park to enjoy Pittsburgh’s iconic ballpark. These outings provide a memorable experience. |
Night Out
Host guests at a restaurant for dinner away from the House. A simple night out can offer a welcome change of pace. |
If you are interested in hosting an experience or have an idea you would like to explore, please contact the Fisher House team at 412-360-2030 to discuss availability and coordination.
Turn community support into lasting impact.
Host a Fundraiser
Fundraisers give people a way to join our mission. By organizing or participating in a fundraiser, you invite your community to stand alongside military and veteran families during long and uncertain medical journeys.
These efforts extend the impact of individual service by gathering friends, colleagues, and neighbors around a shared purpose. What begins as a single event helps sustain the everyday comforts and stability families rely on while their loved one receives care.
Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House can support your event with guidance, materials, or representation when appropriate.
There are two common ways supporters choose to get involved:
These efforts extend the impact of individual service by gathering friends, colleagues, and neighbors around a shared purpose. What begins as a single event helps sustain the everyday comforts and stability families rely on while their loved one receives care.
Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House can support your event with guidance, materials, or representation when appropriate.
There are two common ways supporters choose to get involved:
Organize
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Participate
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Fundraisers support Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House, the nonprofit that sustains programs and resources beyond daily operations.
Let us know about your fundraiser idea →
Let us know about your fundraiser idea →
Support the House in Practical Ways
Some supporters prefer to help in simple, tangible ways. From pantry staples to household supplies, these items help keep the House running smoothly and comfortable for families during their stay.
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Kitchen & Meals
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Guest Comfort
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Cleaning & Laundry
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Paper Products
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Needs change throughout the year. Because this is a private residence, we ask that donors contact the House team in advance to confirm current priorities and arrange a drop-off time. Staff can be reached at (412) 360-2030.
