We've closed the curtain on Random Acts of Cheddar...
For the past two years, we've been roaming the country (and the interwebz) to help our 1,200 farm families randomly bestow the gift of the World's Best Cheddar and say "thanks" for all the great work that you do in your community. And we've been honored, not only to meet over 120,000 people but also, to receive countless thanks in return!
Because one good turn deserves another, we're moving on to greener pastures and exploring new ways that our Cabot farmers can say thank you for purchasing our award-winning products.
Our pledge to you? The next act will be even better!
Joyce Brancato, Cyndi Heitzman & DeAnna M. Beverly Where: Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center, Crystal River, FL When: 04/21/11 RAOC Agent: David A. Praet
I wish that I'd had my own film crew to video my visit to Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center in Crystal River, FL. It was that inspiring to me. It began outside where this beautiful structure is surrounded by tall, shade-providing oak trees making it the most attractive hospital setting I've ever seen. Inside, the entry and main lobby area are simply stunning. I took time to just stop and look and take in this beauty. I so wish I had taken pictures to share with you.
And then we have its people. No civilian hospital staff has ever received me more warmly. It began with Cyndi, the Chief Nursing Officer, and her assistants. Seems they were all familiar with and fans of Cabot. When I explained the reason for my visit and "cheddared" them the smiles and laughter were every where. When I returned from my van with two more armsfull of Cabot cheeses Joyce, the CEO, asked me to address the department heads who were gathered in her conference room...and I did, as pictures were being taken. What a marvelous reception. And then DeAnna, the Assistant Administrator, led me to the Lab supervisors and personally introduced me, and I "cheddared" them. I, ultimately, left Seven Rivers with the determination that I will be living in Crystal River before this year ends. Joyce, not only do you and your entire staff provide most excellent services to your community but you do so with an inspiring and welcoming attitude. Thank you all.
CPT Bob Vanek and FF/P Eric Slavky Where: New Port Richey Fire/Rescue Station #2, New Port Richey, FL When: 04/20/11 Reaction: From surprise ....to smiles and laughter RAOC Agent: David A. Praet
It never gets old to me, dropping in on "my" fire folk, unexpectedly. That's what I did at New Port Richey Fire/Rescue Station #2. Eric was the first to see me, and my 'Very-Visible-Van' dressed in red & black plaid. I often muse over what their thoughts are when they first view this 'strangely' colored van and this 'strangely' clad "old fella". But in very short time I am always made welcome. Bob came downstairs and joined us and I "cheddared" them and the smiles and laughter began. Smiles and laughter are infectious, and they play forward....Life Be GOOD!! Bob and Eric, again, thank you for your excellent service.
Katie Hutson, Ann Hayes and Yolanda Reyes Where: Physicians Dialysis, New Port Richey, FL When: 04/20/11 Reaction: WOW...WOW...WOW!!! RAOC Agent: David A. Praet
Every day is truly a new day and opens the door for new experiences. This particular visit was a new experience for me and..."WOW". I pulled into the large parking lot of the Physicians Dialysis building on Grand Boulevard in New Port Richey and before I had my first Cabot bag filled with cheeses I heard running footsteps. I turned to see not one but three lovely young ladies runnin' toward me! Well, I'm not "tall, dark and handsome" so I know it ain't me they're runnin' to see....."Cabot cheese!!!". Yolanda was the first to arrive. "Are you here to give us cheese". "I am, indeed. How many of you work here?" Being quick-witted Yolanda smiles at me and says "550!!". "Right". We settled on about 40 so I filled another bag. Ann is on our Cabot "e-mail" list and receives periodic messages from Cabot (I added some extra cheeses in the bags). This was the most unique and warmest welcome I've ever experienced. Yolanda, Ann and Katie (et al) you are a 'trip'!!...and you made this "cheddaring" a very memorable one for me. Thank you.
Bernedette Brown and Michael Cyr Where: Habitat for Humanity, New Port Richey, FL When: 04/20/11 Reaction: Warmly receptive and explosively wonderful!! RAOC Agent: David A. Praet
Every "Habitat for Humanity" I've visited, and I believe all those that I've not, absolutely epitomize what Cabot's "Random Acts of Cheddar" is all about...recognizing those most excellent folks who give so much to their community. When I dropped in at the Habitat for Humanity in New Port Richey and met with Michael and Bernedette it was obvious that those two were well in touch with their 'humanity'. The immediate sense of goodwill and good people filled their space. It was my true pleasure to have spent time with you both. Very special humans, indeed.
Gloria Chonka Where: Meals on Wheels, Port Richey, FL When: 04/20/11 Reaction: In her 'glory' RAOC Agent: David A. Praet
I had just come out of the Veterans Affairs office in Port Richey, FL, headed to my "Very-Visible-Van", when a young lady approached and said "I go to Vermont almost every year and I visit your creamery in Cabot. I've been there at least 4 times....love your cheese." Well, this old guy is gonna spend some time with, and "cheddar", a lady with that kind of devotion. Seems Gloria has friends and family up in that area of Vermont, and it's only about 1700 miles away!! Gloria, I know you are connected with the 'Meals on Wheels and it was my pleasure to meet you. Enjoy your Cabot bagful of "cheddar".
For the past two years, we've been roaming the country (and the interwebz) to help our 1,200 farm families randomly bestow the gift of the World's Best Cheddar and say "thanks" for all the great work that you do in your community. And we've been honored, not only to meet over 120,000 people but also, to receive countless thanks in return!
