Chef Robert Irvine took his service experience in the Royal Navy and is giving back after service. Robert Irvine is a world-class chef and entrepreneur, and a tireless philanthropic supporter of our nation’s military. Robert Irvine joined the Royal Navy at 15 and served as a chef. His passion for food has continued through out his life and he has had many accomplishments including being a star on Food Network. Today, he is giving back to the military community through the Robert Irvine Foundation hosting events around the world and supporting both the veteran community and first responders.
Giving back after service
Robert shared his journey to the military. His dad and brother served in the Army but he didn’t want to do that. Instead he ended up in the Royal Navy. He needed direction in his life and the Navy gave him what he needed. He then left England to pursue other opportunities and started as an executive chef on a cruise ship and that led to other opportunities including being on the Food Network.
In the interview, we discussed the amazing sacrifice and bravery that World War II veterans made to recapture France. It was amazing to hear about the experience of being at Normandy with WWII veterans and hearing their stories. Next week, on the podcast you will hear from Rich Sherman. He created a coffee table book after visiting the cemeteries across the world that American soldiers are laid to rest.
Helping Veterans by giving back
He is a tireless philanthropic supporter of our nation’s military. Who realized his true purpose when he founded the Robert Irvine Foundation (RIF) in 2014. The RIF supports the physical and mental wellbeing of our nation’s service members, veterans, first responders, and their families through programs focused on food, wellness, community, and financial support.
RIF programming and annual events aim to strengthen the bonds among service members, veterans, and their families, and to fund these efforts. Some of these programs include:
Breaking Bread With Heroes:
These events honor and bring together our nation’s heroes over a delicious meal, providing an opportunity for them to talk, listen, share their stories and feel a sense of community. Since 2022, the RIF has served meals to 53,290 heroes and their families across 38 Breaking Bread With Heroes events.
Reuniting the Brave:
Established in 2023, these events have brought together 2,500+ veterans, Gold Star families, surviving family members, and military families. Reuniting the Brave serves to reconnect service members with their loved ones, fostering connection and healing, while honoring their sacrifices.
Annual Military Heroes Charity Golf Tournament:
This annual golf tournament raises funds for the RFI. It serves as a unique resilience experience for the participating golfers, many of whom are wounded heroes, providing them with a chance to bond and enjoy a well-deserved day of fun. Activities include a foursome scramble golf tournament, on-course activities and stations, a chef-driven barbeque luncheon, and meet & greet with Robert.
Beats N’ Eats (November 4, 2024):
An immersive annual food and music fundraising event featuring a family-style, seven-course meal prepared by local and celebrity chefs, accompanied by live music performances.
One theme that really stuck with me is how food can change a relationship. When you sit down and share a meal it allows you to get to know the person you are sitting with. How Robert has combined both his passion for food and helping others is inspiring.
