VALLEYLIFE’s main campus was buzzing with excitement this week as a group of VALLEYLIFE supporters gathered to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the Thunderbirds Charities Bistro. On Tuesday, August 13th, VALLEYLIFE recognized Thunderbirds Charities, a longtime donor, for their generous $20,000 grant used to fund the bistro and purchase equipment for the Healthy Prep Kitchen.
The bistro, which functions as an expansion to the Healthy Prep Kitchen, finished construction earlier this year and has served as a meeting space where smaller sponsored events can be hosted. The inclusion of a beautiful wall unit, a quartzite countertop, and a collection of small café tables has created a visually appealing and functional space for Healthy Prep Kitchen volunteers and event attendees to relax on-site. By using the space to host donor receptions and other special events, VALLEYLIFE is able to redirect a portion of event costs back into Member services while also providing an opportunity for guests to get a taste for where their donations are going in real-time.
“We are so appreciative of Thunderbirds Charities for their help bringing this vision to fruition,” said Margaret Stephens-Reed, VALLEYLIFE Director of Fund Development. “Not only do Healthy Prep Kitchen volunteers now have a place to relax and grab a coffee, but we also now have a space that lends itself to so many other uses.”
With a partnership spanning over 15 years, Thunderbirds Charities has played a critical role in the overall VALLEYLIFE story. The bistro project is just one of several initiatives funded by Thunderbirds Charities, including the adaptive learning areas on the main campus, updates in the warehouse, and equipment for Members.
According to Thunderbirds Charities Big Chief/President, George Thimsen, it is a partnership that is equally as impactful to his organization.
“It’s just really great to see where the money goes,” Thimsen said. “That’s why we work as hard as we do to go out and raise the money that we do, to go to charities like VALLEYLIFE. This Bistro launching is just another example of VALLEYLIFE’s focus on quality of life and us being able to support that is an honor that the Thunderbirds are really proud of.”
Throughout the event, attendees were also treated to refreshments and a special performance from VALLEYLIFE’s Glee Club.
To see more of the event, check out the gallery below.
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