ANNOUNCING THE 2023 RESILIENCY AWARD WINNER

James Burton
Award presented by WMCHealth

Learn more about this year's Resiliency Award winner.

When you speak with James Burton, it’s clear that he has a unique ability to connect with people over food. He recalls volunteering in a soup kitchen during his high school years, and his interest in food led to an associate degree in Culinary Arts and bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. Over the years, James embarked on career opportunities ranging from bartending, launching a Chipotle restaurant, and joining the management team that opened the acclaimed Bedford Post restaurant for owner and actor Richard Gere.

These days, his involvement in culinary arts take on a special meaning when he cooks for the families at the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley (RMHGHV). James provided guidance in the creation of the Chef for A Day, which was designed to pair trained chefs with volunteers for a day of service at RMHGHV. James himself served as the first guest chef. Although admitting a personal preference for preparing hearty stews or Southwestern dishes, James’ go-to menu for this audience is often fried chicken and biscuits. He tells us it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Perhaps even better than James’ Southern fried chicken is his understanding of what families need when they are coping with the stress of having a child in the hospital. "A warm home-cooked meal and a quiet word can be very important," he says. Meals at RMHGHV are a reminder to pause and reflect all that has happened that day. Things are not rushed. Sometimes James just sits with these families in companionship.

Part of the reason that James is so adept at "reading the room" is that, 10 years ago, he and his wife came to Ronald McDonald House when they were coping with the premature birth of twin sons. James views his volunteer work over the last 10 years as simply payback for the days and nights he and his wife spent there. "I owe them everything. Ronald McDonald House saved my life and marriage during our darkest times.”

Today, James lives in Hopewell Junction with his wife, Julie Ann, and sons: Deskin, age 10 and Chayton, age 5.

The Volunteer Spirit Awards is the premier volunteer recognition event in our region, with an expected attendance of 500 community leaders, business leaders, and elected officials.

Please join us for a celebration of community and kindness on Friday, May 5th at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

For more information, please visit www.volunteernewyork/awards, or contact Matt Soper, Director of Development at [email protected].

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