On Wednesday, July 17, 2019, to celebrate National Hot Dog Day and one of America’s favorite foods, individuals with disabilities from Ability Connection learned about the history of National Hot Dog Day, which started in 1991. They also learned how hot dogs (frankfurters) were brought to the United States by German immigrants in the 19th century and how the yummy goodness has been closely associated with summertime and America's favorite pastime, baseball.
The best part of the afternoon was when the members learned how to grill and create the ultimate gourmet hot dog, courtesy of Chef Scott Jones, founder of Jack’s Kitchen and a veteran in the Dallas restaurant scene for more than two decades. Delectable toppings that members sampled were pork rinds, bacon onion jam, caramelized onions, picked red onions, smoked gouda pimento cheese, pepper jelly, 5 pepper mustard, potato strings…and, of course, BACON!
Afterwards, members of Ability Connection enjoyed their piping hot creations and had time to ‘relish’ the time they had learning about the art of making gourmet hot dogs. A great time as had by all!
Throughout the year, Ability Connection is blessed with partners, like Chef Jones from Jack’s Kitchen, who take time to volunteer with fun activities, vocational training and residential support for its members with intellectual and physical disabilities. Learning daily living skills helps them prepare to live more independently. Cooking is importance for independence but also helps with communication, shopping/making lists, reading, math (measuring) and working with time.
ABOUT ABILITY CONNECTION
The mission of Ability Connection is to enrich the lives of children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities through comprehensive, life changing care, training and supports. Headquartered in Dallas, the nonprofit also has offices in Austin, Fort Worth, Waco and Wichita Falls, as well as a new training facility in Southlake and group homes in Dallas, Garland, Richardson and throughout the rest of the state.
The nonprofit offers a variety of services, designed to address the individual choices and priorities. These include residential services, community supports through Medicaid waiver programs, on-site training centers with tiered levels of support to address the needs of our clientele and employment support services. For each person served, Ability Connection learns what the members’ goals and choices are, facilitate the supports and services needed and then measure their success and satisfaction
Ability Connected started as United Cerebral Palsy in 1954 and has been in existence for 66 years. The nonprofit provides “world class services” by focusing on compassion, respect and results. To learn more about Ability Connection, donate or become an ambassador, visit AbilityConnection.org or call 214-351-2500.
ABOUT JACK’S KITCHEN
Established in 2018 by distinguished Dallas restaurateur Scott Jones (The Screen Door + Cafe Italia), Jack's Kitchen revitalizes the notion of satisfying and delicious food. The menu at Jack's Kitchen is crafted to evoke the most elusive yet gratifying ranges of the pallet. Nestled in a comfy nook of Lakewood, it will feel like a private chef experience while maintaining a modest price point.
Jack's tastefully crafted interior sets the perfect mood for a meal with friends, family or that special someone. Curated artwork and chic styling invoke a sense of exclusivity while staying firmly planted in the tastes of delicious fare. The quaint neighborhood location, adjacent to Skillman Live Oak Center, is minutes from Lower Greenville. Jack's Kitchen offers dine-in, take out, delivery and catering services that always promise quality ingredients and profound flavors. For more information on Jack’s Kitchen, visit JacksKitchen.com.