People who live in the Grand Rapids area have often been recognized as being some of the most helpful and giving people in the United States. Many times Grand Rapids has been on the list of the "Most Philanthropic Cities".

City of Grand Rapids
Photo: Scott Winters/Townsquare Media
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One report, the Johnson Center’s 2017 report, “Understanding the Philanthropic Character of Communities: Insights from Two West Michigan Communities,” reported that annual per capita giving in Grand Rapids exceeds $1,500. That is about $500 more per person than the national average.

The report goes on to say...

That residents of the City of Grand Rapids were more engaged in the community, politics, and philanthropy than the average U.S. citizen. People in Grand Rapids feel a palpable expectation to give of one’s time or money.

When it Comes to Giving, One Person Really Stands Out in West Michigan

Chef Jenna Arcidiacono, owner of Amore Trattoria Italiana at 5080 Alpine Avenue in Comstock Park, does more than her part when it comes to helping out and paying back the community.

Chef Jenna
Photo: YouTube/Rachael Ray Show
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She is often in the news for winning awards, giving away money, and helping people in need.

In April 2022, Chef Jenna was named as one of ten winners of the 2020/2021 Governor's Service Awards. This award was given to those who supported significant needs and made a difference in food distribution, health or supporting other community issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In February 2022, Chef Jenna visited the Choo Choo Grill and handed a server five $100 bills.

In January 2021 she was named as the Grand Rapids Business Journal's 2020 Newsmaker of the Year.

It was in 2020 that Mike Rowe, from the show "Returning the Favor", recognized Chef Jenna for delivering nutritious meals to workers on the front lines during the COVID pandemic.

In March of 2018, Chef Jenna was named as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan

Last summer, Chef Jenna was featured on the "Rachel Ray Show" for a new feature called "BESTaurants".

Chef Jenna Strikes Again

Last week, Chef Jenna showed up at Charlie's Bar & Grille on Plainfield to surprise a restaurant worker named Joey.  He has been riding his bike to two jobs after his Jeep died. It was taking him 1 hour and 20 minutes to get to work in the heat. It was Chef Jenna to the rescue! She surprised Joey with a new car!

Thank You Chef Jenna for all that you do for the people of West Michigan. We all need to be more like Chef Jenna!

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