90-year-old Sam utilizes his considerable baking skills for more than creating delicious treats. Ever since he mastered his lemon pound cake recipe, Sam has used his scrumptious baked goods to bring joy to others. Sam’s Wish was to bake his delicious lemon pound cake with professional chefs at the Brookdale Culinary Art Institute’s 2015 Culinary Road Show. To Sam, having the opportunity to bake with professional chefs in front of an audience symbolizes a lifetime of personal sacrifice, service to others and a sense of purpose.
Sam made his first pound cake to help out his wife Shirley. At the time, she was recovering from knee surgery, and was unable to get around, so she instructed Sam on how to bake the cake. It turned out so well that Shirley encouraged Sam to make the cake for others. He did so, and over the years, Sam has baked for ill friends or family members, first-responders, hospital staff, folks who were going through a difficult time, or just someone in need of a kind gesture.
Sam personifies the qualities he encourages. He has always served or lent a helping hand, from serving our country in the U.S. Army to checking the community mailbox every day. He helps with resident activities and is the kindest, most patient husband to his wife who struggles with Alzheimer’s.
Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale Senior Living were thrilled to help Sam fulfill his dream. On November 18, 2015 Sam, accompanied by his Resident Program Coordinator Sumer, baked his famous lemon pound cake with the professional chefs at the Brookdale Culinary Road Show. Sam was honored by the chefs at the Roadshow with his own culinary hat, coat, and apron and his recipe was entered into the National Brookdale recipe database. In addition, Sam received a plaque for his participation in the Roadshow, and was inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame. Sam’s story will also be featured in Hospitality Magazine providing him the platform to show just how meaningful a simple gesture can be.
Thank you to Angela Ferguson from Heaven’s Paintbrush Photography for capturing Sam’s wish!
