Serving Up Thanks: Friends of VALLEYLIFE Lunch celebrates the Heart Behind the Prep Kitchen

The phrase “too many cooks in the kitchen” didn’t apply this week as VALLEYLIFE proudly recognized several of our dedicated Healthy Prep Kitchen volunteers during the 2025 Friends of VALLEYLIFE celebration. Hosted by the beautiful Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Resort, this bee-themed event treated attendees to a delightful luncheon and a special surprise—personalized chef hats to honor their contributions.

The Volunteers in attendance, many of whom have dedicated countless hours prepping meals in the Prep Kitchen for Members, received an inside look at just how their hard work had positively impacted both VALLEYLIFE staff and Members. A particularly moving point of the event took place when VALLEYLIFE staff shared examples of all the positive health results since the roll out of the Healthy Prep Kitchen Program.

In classic Margaret fashion, Director of Fund Development Margaret Stephens-Reed added a touch of fun to the presentation by donning a series of clever and colorful chef hats while highlighting key program statistics. The event’s energy continued with a joyful fashion show starring four VALLEYLIFE Members, who each strutted around the room in a brand-new outfit donated by the North Mountain Community Thrift Store.

VALLEYLIFE is deeply thankful for our volunteers whose time, heart, and hands help enrich the lives of the individuals we serve every day.

To see photos from the event, check out the gallery below.