Some people may remember Mark McMillian as the eight-year NFL veteran who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Redskins, earning the nickname “Mighty Mouse” along the way. Other people may know McMillian from his job as commentator for NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders and his recent stint on “Next Level Chef.” But it’s a whole new community of kids and adults who think of him as a friend, advocate and involved philanthropic leader.
McMillian and his wife, Adreanne McMillian are part-time residents of Gilbert, and have always had a fond interest in children’s charities. In focusing on Valley children-centric nonprofits to assist, the couple quickly fell in love with Ryan House, its mission and programs. Ryan House is Arizona’s only children’s hospice and respite care home for kids with life-limiting conditions.
In mid-April McMillian and executive chef at Hotel Valley Ho, Russell LaCasce, went to Ryan House and grilled lunch for the kids and staff. Brenna Bennick, development director for Ryan House says, “It means so much to our house to have them here. Whether it be for the kids or families or staff to not have to think about what they’re going to have for lunch, and just to roll in and relax— it really does make a difference, and the kitchen is the heart of the home.” For more information on the services of Ryan House, visit RyanHouse.org.
Mark McMillian says of Ryan House, “It’s outstanding! They make this feel like home for these kids and their families. It’s good to know there’s comfort here, even knowing that some of the kids might not leave here.”
McMillian and LaCasce became instant friends over their love of grilling, cooking and fundraising. “We just hit the ground running,” says McMillian. “It’s like we’ve known each other forever. Having Chef Russell on board 100% at Hotel Valley Ho is great.”
Over Memorial Day weekend McMillian held a fundraiser at Hotel Valley Ho with NFL and MLB friends, fans and the general public, with proceeds benefiting Ryan House. During the fundraiser, McMillian and LaCasce grilled up tasty barbecue, out at the main pool that included McMillian’s signature spicy and sweet barbecue sauce and meat rubs.
Hungry guests feasted on tri tip, brisket, wings, pulled pork and much more. McMillian’s Sweet Heat barbecue sauce also received the spotlight during the event. Specialty cocktails were plentiful, including a whiskey-based “Mighty Mouse” cocktail that was created specifically for McMillian’s involvement in doing the fundraiser for Ryan House at Hotel Valley Ho.
McMillian was honored to assist in bringing funds and additional awareness to the incredibly valuable and comforting services that Ryan House offers. “It’s just my way of paying back and using my platform to be able to bring some notoriety and raise funds for them,” McMillian says.
“You can tell the people who are doing it for the right reasons,” says LaCasce about McMillian’s passion for Ryan House and fundraising. “It was easy to connect with him like that, and I have similar ideas about helping kids. This is about giving and hospitality and this is why I got into cooking.”
Earlier in May, McMillian partnered with Humble Bistro in Gilbert to do a fundraiser with proceeds benefiting Ryan House and McMillian’s foundation he co-founded, The Lift Program. It provides support to young men and women through a series of activities such as training camps, community service opportunities and team-building events. These are all designed to build confidence, character and strengthen determination.
For additional information on Mark McMillian and his involvement in various charities, including The Lift Program, visit GrillnwithMcMillian.com. For more information about Hotel Valley Ho, visit HotelValleyHo.com.
“It’s just my way of paying back and using my platform to be able to bring some notoriety and raise funds for them,”