Commercial Kitchen Guest Chef Hero

Guest Chef

Our Guest Chef volunteers prepare warm dinners for families staying at Ronald McDonald House Tulsa. After a long day at the hospital, a ready meal offers comfort, connection, and one less thing for families to manage.

What to Know Before You Volunteer

Bring Comfort to the Dinner Table

Families often return to the House after a long day at the hospital, and cooking may be the last thing on their minds. Guest Chefs help make the House feel comfortable and welcoming by preparing a dinner families can enjoy together.

  • Groups may include up to 10 volunteers.
  • Children are welcome when supervised by an adult.
  • All participants need a current Tulsa Health Department Volunteer Food Handler Permit.
  • All meal preparation must take place in the Ronald McDonald House Tulsa kitchen or another approved commercial kitchen.

Arrive by

3:30 p.m.

Dinner ready at

5:30 p.m.

Plan to cook

18–25 meals

Guest Chef Schedule

Use the calendar to review Guest Chef dinner dates. Available and scheduled meals will appear here as events are added to the Ronald McDonald House Tulsa calendar.

Sign Up to Be a Guest Chef

If you would like to prepare and serve a meal for families at Ronald McDonald House Tulsa, submit the request form. Darcy will follow up to confirm availability, review kitchen guidelines, and coordinate your visit.

You may also contact Darcy at dtedford@rmhctulsa.org or 918-340-7965.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be a Guest Chef?

Groups of up to 10 volunteers can prepare a Guest Chef meal. Children are welcome to help when supervised by an adult. Everyone helping in the kitchen needs a Volunteer Food Handler Permit from the Tulsa Health Department.

All Guest Chef participants must have a Tulsa Health Department volunteer food handler permit. Permits are valid for one year. Complete the free online training and quiz. When the form asks for the organization name and address, enter:

  • Ronald McDonald House Tulsa
  • 6102 S. Hudson Ave.
  • Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136


After completing the quiz, forward the certificate email to Darcy at dtedford@rmhctulsa.org, or print your certificate and bring a copy when you come to cook.

Guest Chefs set the menu and provide the ingredients. Each dinner should include a main course and two side dishes. Bring all food and baking ingredients needed to complete the meal. Desserts and non-alcoholic beverages are optional and always welcome. The House has a soda machine, milk, and water for guests.

Ronald McDonald House Tulsa provides three-portion Styrofoam serving containers, so you do not need to bring serving containers unless another type is needed. Dinner must be prepared on-site or in another commercial kitchen approved in advance by Ronald McDonald House Tulsa staff.

For food-safety purposes, no food can be prepared in a home kitchen. If you cannot prepare a meal in the Ronald McDonald House Tulsa kitchen, store-bought frozen entrées such as chicken fingers, lasagna, and pot pies are appreciated.

The Ronald McDonald House Tulsa kitchen includes:

  • An oven, stovetop, convection oven, and microwave
  • Pots and pans, mixers, knives, cutting boards, baking sheets, and related equipment
  • A pantry with spices, oils, and other staples—please check with staff about specific items
  • Gloves for all Guest Chefs handling food
  • Aprons, if desired
  • Rags and kitchen-cleaning supplies

Guest Chef volunteers are responsible for leaving the kitchen in the same condition they found it.

  • Package food in individual containers, label it, and place it on the dining-room counter.
  • Wash cookware with soap and hot water, dry it, and return it to its proper location.
  • Plan to finish cleanup and leave by 6 p.m.


Additional cleanup instructions will be shared when your Guest Chef date is confirmed.

Need a More Flexible Option?

If the Guest Chef schedule does not work for you, consider baking a treat, preparing freezer meals, or packing Lunches with Love for Ronald McDonald House Tulsa families.

Questions Before You Sign Up?

Darcy can help with scheduling, menus, food permits, kitchen supplies, and accessibility needs.

Search Ronald McDonald House Chapter Site

Secure donation

Your gift helps Ronald McDonald House Tulsa provide lodging, meals, and compassionate support for families receiving pediatric medical care. Donation information is processed securely by Arreva.

A couple smiling with their child.

Your gift keeps families together

Every donation helps families stay close to their children without worrying about where they will sleep or how they will find their next meal.