Ronald McDonald House: It’s a home away from home for families whose seriously ill children are in Children’s Hospital close by. During these pandemic times, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado and the community stepped up with creative and safe ways to raise donations. One of the most delicious was Forks with Franco & Friends, an opportunity for 112 participants around the area to go step by step in their own kitchens as chef Franco Pisani of Paravicini’s Italian Bistro taught them how to make lasagna. Those livestreaming had meal kits with the measured ingredients and by evening’s end could pull the finished product out of their ovens, have a glass of wine and enjoy dinner. Families at Ronald McDonald House were treated to the special dinner as well. The event was created by board member Rudy Vasquez and sponsors included Paravicini’s, Fox21, The Gazette and Jodi & Jeremy Jarecke. When lasagna was in the ovens, those watching the chef and host Craig Coffey of Fox21 had an opportunity to see the house and “learn who we are,” said Executive Director Beth Alessio.