Meyer wasn’t always a well-known figure among gastronomes in the world of fine dining. Nearly two decades ago, he was a homeless full-time father of two young sons.

Students at a Gilbert charter school hosted a food drive to help families in need, and that is Something Good!

Mat Meyer, founder and chef of Ansley Table, through his donation of private dinners at the 2025 Night of a Million Dreams Gala, raised enough funds to support one of House of Refuge’s homes for an entire year — the very same home where he once lived with his sons.