One of the big benefits of my new job as an analyst on NBC’s Football Night In America is being home during the week.  We do a lot of preparation for our broadcasts, just as I did when I was coaching, but now I can do much of it from home; giving me time to do some things that I couldn’t do when I was in the NFL.  Today I’m watching the kids while my wife goes to Bible study. It’s a blessing for both of us, as Lauren gets to do something she enjoys without having to find a babysitter, and I get to do some fun things with the kids that most dads don’t get a chance to do during the day.

Yesterday, I got to take advantage of my extra free time by doing some volunteer work for Family First.  I went to Orlando with Mark Merrill, Family First’s president, and we visited some organizations there that have supported us over the years.  The highlight of the trip was visiting The Father’s Table in Sanford.  It was right up my alley because the Father’s Table makes cheesecakes and other dessert items for distribution all over the country.  It’s a family-run business and I have become friends with Dan Gilardi. When the Gilardi family started this company, they determined they would give half its profits to charity through The Father’s Table Foundation.  The Lord has really blessed their business.  They support many charity and non-profit organizations such as All Pro Dad and numerous Christian outreach projects; and that’s one of the reasons I believe their business is flourishing.

Dan has been after me for quite a while to come over and tour their plant, and I finally got the opportunity. It was a treat (in more ways than one) to go through and watch cheesecakes, brownies, apple dumplings and other great desserts being made.  It was also fun to see the spirit in which everyone there worked.  It was very much like a good football team where you have a lot of individuals working toward one goal which, in this case, is putting out a great product at the end of the day.  You could tell how much the employees put into their work and how much they really enjoyed it.  We got to sample a few things while we were there and when we left, the Gilardis loaded us down with desserts to take home.  Sweets are one of my weaknesses so I’m going to have to be careful to exercise some moderation for the next couple of weeks.

I am so appreciative of The Fathers Table, not only for the great food, but for also demonstrating that you can run your business in a way that honors God, create a great atmosphere for your employees, and still be excellent at what you do.  Thanks, Dan for a great day, and some awesome desserts!

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