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A couple of months ago I flew to Milwaukee, WI to be part of Johnsonville Sausage’s Blog for a Cause event. Having worked with Johnsonville on several of their previous campaigns, I pretty much knew what to expect: a lot of pampering, wining and dining at the area’s top restaurants, and a great time hanging out with great people I’d begun to build a great working relationship with. But the best part of that event was their announcement that they were going to donate cold, hard cash to the local charity of my choice.

I knew right away the charity I’d choose. Although I’m a big supporter of Share Our Strength and have worked with them on campaigns in the past, there’s another local organization that I also wanted to call some attention to. It’s a non-profit called Homestretch, whose mission is to “empower homeless families with children under age 18 in Virginia to attain permanent housing and self-sufficiency by giving them the skills, knowledge and hope they need to become productive participants in the community“.

My sister Jolie worked for them until just recently and now sits on their board of directors. It’s a fabulous organization that teaches skills necessary to rebuild lives. I’ve heard first-hand some of their success stories which is why I’m so excited to be given the chance to contribute to their cause.

So I’m asking each of you to donate $50 – but you don’t have to actually give any money! All you have to do is leave a comment below telling me about a dish you’ve prepared using Johnsonville Italian Sausage and Johnsonville will give $50 directly to Homestretch.

If you haven’t tried one of their recipes but would like to donate, head on over to their site to get some inspiration. Then just come back and let me know which one you tried! I’ve also posted one of my favorites below – it’s delicious!

Thanks in advance to everyone who leaves a comment to help these families in need, and thanks to Johnsonville for being a company I’m proud to partner with.