Cliff Bichel lives in Michigan. He’s 34 years old, married, and has three amazing kids. He’s a good dad. A dad who sets aside plenty of time for new and grand adventures with each of his children. One of their favorites is raising chickens together. It’s important to Cliff that his kids learn constant and powerful lessons in life and love. So, each day the kids go out and collect any new eggs. Once enough of them have been gathered, the family loads into the car, and Cliff drives them down to the homeless shelter where the eggs are given to feed the less fortunate.
Cliff understands the power that one man will always have in making small differences in the lives of others. He understands that random acts of kindness spread. He understands that the small difference he can make in people’s lives will often lead to much bigger and permanent ones. He understands because he’s seen it. He understands because he lives it. Seven years ago, an idea came flying out of his mouth, which quickly materialized into something unexpected, beautiful, and worth repeating.
In 2003, Thanksgiving was approaching. Cliff had this little idea, which he shot by his church Reverend. It was far too late to put it together this year, he declared, but what if next year they put on a free Thanksgiving feast for the people of their community who could really use a good, hot meal. He was shocked when the Reverend jumped on the idea and encouraged him not to wait, but to find a way to do it that same year instead. With limited funds and even less time, Cliff accepted the challenge and decided to do whatever it took to make it happen.
He hit the pavement and collected sufficient donations from local businesses to cover his food and supplies. In record time, and with the help of others, he served up a free feast to those who needed that warmth, food, and good old human interaction. The invitation to attend was open to all, and there were many who answered the call. On the evening of the big event, his church’s Memorial hall filled with conversation, laughter, and the aroma of fresh roasted turkey. It was certainly a night to remember. There was not one person unwanted. There was not one person unwelcome. That first year, 225 meals were served.
But that wasn’t enough for Cliff. He looked at the steaming trays of food and began dishing up to-go platters. Nobody was going without that night. He loaded up his car and sped around the city, relying on his knowledge of the streets (which he had gained as a pizza delivery boy). He stopped at house after house, sharing a plate of warmth and deliciousness with all those who couldn’t leave their homes.
Yes, that night the city itself was smiling.
Cliff is a good man. And like many good men is very passionate. Sometimes people take that passion and label it as arrogance. He is very vocal when he thinks another person has been mistreated or harmed. He is quick to point out social or personal injustices or wrongdoings. Because of this, some call him hot-headed.
But Cliff is neither hot-headed nor is he arrogant. He is a humble man, especially considering his confidence, expertise, and wealth of knowledge in the culinary world. He understands that it takes many hands to create a masterpiece. He is responsible, compassionate, and selfless.
And more than anything, he loves others.
He would do just about anything for the people around him. During the winter he can often be found driving quietly in his car, looking for unshoveled driveways to help clear.
And, each year he has continued feeding those who need it. His Thanksgiving meals have become somewhat famous. He has never put stipulations on who is allowed to come, and each year the number grows. Each year he lines up health department inspections, donations from businesses, volunteers, and meals for those that are homebound. He does it year, after year, after year. He never asks for anything in return. He never expects anything in return. His reward is always intrinsic.
Sure, sometimes he’s quirky, just like any of us. He insists on washing his own knives after each use and personally putting them back in their cases. He constantly writes lists just to write lists. And he couldn’t care less about spelling. But, he is a good provider and an excellent father. He encourages and makes use of people’s talents, known and hidden. He is always happy to listen when someone needs an understanding ear. And, he always makes that Thanksgiving dinner happen.
Cliff really is a Saturday’s Hero.
Dan Pearce, Single Dad Laughing
Many thanks to Jennifer for sharing her perspective and love for this man with me. Most Saturdays I spotlight one of my readers’ everyday heroes. The world is full of incredible, unsung, and inspirational people. They give their lives and time to others, they devote themselves to causes, they overcome obstacles, and they make us want to improve. Heroes come in many forms. Who was yours?
If you have a hero that you’d like me to spotlight, please send an email with the subject “This is my hero”. Sum up why they are a hero in 300 words or less. If I can spotlight them, I will write you back for follow-up information.
I'm so happy to hear about people like this in the world, especially with what you see when you turn on the nightly news! Thanks for including this as part of your blog!
What Freemom said about knives is more than I was going to say--almost every chef has a cloth case with knives in it of which good care is taken.
I hope this doesn't come across as light grey, because that's what the box seems to think I should use.
I agree, Cliff lives his ideals, his religious beliefs. I've met only a few people of whom I could say that. I love it that he takes fresh eggs to homeless shelters--what a treat few of us enjoy any more.
Cliff really exemplifies Ghandi's idea of "be the change you wish to see in the world." Great example of a hero. Inspiring, yet real. Thanks for sharing.
I personally know this man and his family, he is all and more of what was written about him! He is truly a man of God and so is true of his wife, she is a Woman of God, they are very selfless people, always looking out for the person that need a lending hand, when they themselves have a family to raise and mouths to feed. Absolutely wonderful people and a great family! Proud to say, they are my friends!
What a wonderful example for all of us! Bless you and everyone who helps with your endeavors, Cliff!
I love hearing stories like this-it puts hope in humanity-so tired of hearing all the sadness in the world.
I know Cliff- or knew him, rather. I went to high school with him, but haven't seen him in a great many years. He was always very kind-hearted. Such a small world!
Great post -- thank you!
love this aspect of your blog,actually my first time reading it. i am a new blogger and haven't really read anyone else. so yay for you and i plan to read more. great blog!
Thanks for telling me about this Cliff...he is a true hero.
Wonderful story, inspring man, and what better way to hear all about him than from the woman who loves him.
Sorry, about the message.....i'm a new blogger and I can't seem to get back to where ever I went to ask why I wasn't being added to comments.
Well, as "Rosann Rosana-Danna" would say, "Never mind!"
I was looking for my picture not my blog name.
My first time viewing one of your Saturday Heroes. Good pick! I definitely enjoyed reading about him.
This is beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Great post! God bless him for all his time and effort!
Good stewards of God's creation give time, talent and treasure. Cliff you are a great steward not only to your community, but by teaching your children and others to do the same. Being thankful for God's gifts in November, and all year long, is something I strive for; I am thankful for Cliff, and the many like him around the world.
I love hearing inspiring stories like this. It's so refreshing and wonderful to know that there are people like Cliff out there. Especially when we are constantly inundated with such negativity from all media outlets. :) The world is good and full of miracles, people like Cliff prove that.
I totally make lists just to make lists as well! :)
Beautiful! It brought me to tears and reminded me that there really are good, humble people out there. What a great man!
My first time viewing one of your Saturday Heroes. Good pick! I definitely enjoyed reading about him,
I think I just fell in love with Cliff.
Thank you for introducing me to him.
Isn't it true that when you love, love comes back to you?
Thank you for loving.
Great guy mate!
Thanks for posting this. Here is a man who truly lives his religion---and much better than I live mine. In his defense, he's not quirky about his knives. He's professional. Coming from the wife of a knife connoisseur, here's the lowdown: first, I'm sure his knives are incredibly sharp. He probably spends the night before such a wingding like this sharpening them. For people used to typical kitchen knives, it would be very dangerous to use them. Second, 'knives in cases' start out at about $2000, and that's for consumers, not professionals. Third, all knives are very sensitive. Dishwashers are murder on them, and every time they hit against any other metal, they get duller. When I wash our knives, I lay them out on a towel on the counter in neat rows. Then, they go back into a wood block on the counter or a wooden drawer insert that keeps them all separate and safe. People think my husband is quirky about knives (he can spend hours sharpening ours), but dang. When I have to use other people's knives, it's torture.
This has very little to do with your column, but how can one improve on perfection? I can imagine the joy Cliff must gain from what he does, because service is the path which leads straight through it, like walking through an orchard with warm, ripe peaches hanging from every tree. We could all stand to take a page from his book.
Thanks for the great story! Thanksgiving is also our time to give to the community. Every year, for the last 10 years, we have joined our church in putting on a free, SIT-DOWN dinner at Thanksgiving. We are now up to 3 seatings, at 11:30, 1:30, and 3:30. For the families waiting we have coffee, juice, and cheese and crackers, games, puzzles and a free family portrait.. We also provide a clothing bank at the same time. We have interpreters for many languages and for the deaf. We provide rides to those who don't have one, and take-out boxes to those who can't come themselves. Last year we provided love and a special meal to over 2000 people. This is entirely financed and staffed by the people of our church in Edmonds, WA.
What a great congregation! You've really thought out quite a lot more than just the meal, and that's stupendous.
What a lovely story; we need more of them. And the world needs more people like Cliff.
Great story. Congrats Cliff.
Such a wonderful story! Exceptional person! Thanks for sharing his story with us! :)
This is certainly an example of a true hero. Beautiful.
Great story!! I had my wedding reception at Apple Mountain 6 years ago, and the food was delicious! :-) I grew up right down the street and I can tell you that that area really needs more people like Cliff. Times are tough for everyone, but Michigan is really struggling. Thank you Jennifer, for sharing his story!!
I enjoyed today's post. Thanks for sharing it with us.
The media spends so much time focusing on the bad; it's great to read about the wonderful, inspiring things happening in the world.
This is inspiring.
I agree. I love to hear stories like this.