How would you feel after standing on your feet cooking over 10 pounds of taco meat? Brian Lee, Katelyn Hall, and Andrea Quade felt exhilarated.

Earlier this fall, the three HeplerBroom staff members stepped away from their daytime duties and became chefs-for-the-night for Compass for Kids, a nonprofit that’s working to make a difference in the lives of underserved children in the Springfield (Illinois) Public Schools.

After employees in the Springfield office donated the funds, Lee (Springfield’s office manager) and Hall and Quade (associate attorneys) bought, cooked, and served over 20 people as part of Compass for Kid’s regular Tuesday night event. To foster a sense of belonging, all meals are served family style.

“The kids made it a hugely rewarding experience,” said Lee. “It’s easy to forget how just a simple home-cooked meal can mean so much more than a just a dinner,” he added.

More information about Compass for Kids and its programs can be found on the organization’s website.