From the moment I entered The Matthews House in Cary, NC I felt the warmth and joy surrounding this magnificent home.

I did not and could not imagine the plans that would be made in the upcoming days; plans that would be an answer to prayer.

It all began with a contest on Facebook. The contest was run by The Matthews House. One lucky winner would win a Thanksgiving Dinner for 8. The folks at the Matthews House and I had never met. I actually shared the contest on my Cooking with Elise Facebook page for others to enter and then… I won!  Our family could hardly believe it!

Having been ill for two weeks prior to Thanksgiving, I was elated and very grateful to say the least to have won such a generous gift. It was a lovely sunny Wednesday afternoon when my hubby and I enjoyed our ride to The Matthews House together. We marveled as we drove up to the grand home nestled among beautiful giant oaks and well-kept flower gardens that seemed to say, “Welcome! Do come in!”  We immediately knew there was something very special about this place.

From the moment Michael and I arrived, we were greeted by a warm group of people, including owner Sheila Ogle, who welcomed us.  We received a lovely tour of the home, the very large and inviting banquet hall and the beautiful catering kitchen. We headed on home to share our prize with our children. We enjoyed each and every bite of the scrumptious meal the next day in great appreciation and thankfulness for the love in which it was made.

I brought homemade goodies and a signed copy of my cookbook You Never Cook Alone for the folks at the Matthews House in appreciation for the wonderful meal. A few days later I found myself back at the Matthews House for a meeting. I have always prayed for God to use me, and the talents only He can give, to make a difference in this world and to be successful while serving others. How surprised was I when The Matthews House offered to host a special book signing and a Cooking with Elise event there. How very grateful was I for their offer.

I particularly enjoyed the amazing stuffing!

Having prayed about this for some time, and not being one to believe in coincidences, I was elated. I am thrilled that the proceeds from the first Cooking With Elise at The Matthews House will benefit the very deserving Dorcas Ministries. Dorcas Ministries sees people through an immediate crisis and then teachs them new skills and habits to reduce their vulnerability to future crises. Funds for services are raised through sales at the Dorcas Shop, 187 High House Road, Cary and by gifts from individuals and businesses.

You all are invited to join us on Tuesday, December 11 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at The Matthews House for a guaranteed relaxing event loaded with lots of laughter, fun and delicious appetizers. Who knew that having so much fun would help so many!

You can learn more about this event here.

Tour The Matthews House

Here is a special tour of the magnificent Matthews House! Here are only a few of the rooms in this beautiful home:

That’s quite an entrance is it not?

One of two dining rooms; the other is tremendous including a beautiful fire place.

The Matthews house not only hosts weddings, but corporate events and Celebration of Life ceremonies which offers a tranquil and home-like atmosphere for family and friends as a place to celebrate your loved one’s life, to share memories and express grief without the traditional funeral home atmosphere.

This beautiful master suite for the bride and groom also has an adjoining romantic master bath.

I hope to see you all at the first Cooking with Elise at the Matthews House event. Come enjoy a live cooking demonstration, a glass of wine and wonderful appetizers created especially for you. Take some time to relax during this busy holiday season while helping those who rely on Dorcas Ministries. Check off some of your gifts by purchasing a signed copy of my book You Never Cook Alone at the event for the chef’s in your life and some of the homemade wrapped goodies that will be prepared by the folks at the Matthews House and myself.