A number of months ago I was having lunch with Richard and Michelle Gallagher, local business owners, friends, and supporters of the Mission. During our conversation, Richard shared with me that he had recently sold his software company and he felt compelled to do something of significance for the Mission. He asked me what was our greatest need.

Without hesitating, I told him that we desperately needed to build a new kitchen. Our existing kitchen was woefully inadequate to accommodate the huge increase in meals required by our rapid expansion.

The Gallaghers asked me how much would a kitchen like that cost….having recently met with our kitchen designer and architect, I already knew exactly how much it would cost…I took a big breath and told them it would cost $2.1 million dollars to construct the kitchen at our new headquarters in Mission Hills.

After looking at each other….Richard said, “We will write you a check for the $2.1 million dollars to fund the construction of your new kitchen.” Needless to say, I was elated!

Thanks to The Gallagher’s generosity, we have successfully secured the necessary funds for the construction of the kitchen facility and all large cooking equipment. This facility, scheduled to open in the next 30 days, will serve as the cornerstone of our mission to combat hunger and homelessness. However, we are now faced with the crucial challenge of furnishing the kitchen with all the pots, pans, and utensils it needs to operate effectively.

Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a huge impact on those we serve. By investing in this initiative, you will be helping us:

1. Provide nutritious meals to the homeless, alleviating hunger and improving their overall well-being.
2. Offer valuable culinary training that can empower individuals to secure employment in the food service industry.
3. Promote self-sufficiency and independence among those who have fallen on hard times.
4. Strengthen our community by addressing the root causes of homelessness and poverty.

As we prepare to open the kitchen within the next 30 days, I really need your support at this time to fund the pots, pans, and utensils. Every day we house 2,200 homeless. That is 6,600 meals EVERY DAY…and that number will only increase in the next 12 months.

Please give a generous gift today. Our new kitchen needs your support at this time! In the days ahead, I look forward to giving you a tour of our new regional kitchen!