Momma's Kitchen - Eliminate Hunger!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Written/Distributed By: Dawn McLain, Write It Up!
[email redacted]

Contact: Elizabeth Davila, President
Company: Momma’s Kitchen
St. George, UT 84770
Phone: [phone redacted]


Momma’s Kitchen Celebrates The Spirit Of Thanksgiving
By Giving Back With Memory Matters of Utah And Washington County Senior Center
Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017

St. George, UT – Elizabeth Davila Founder and President of Momma’s Kitchen, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on addressing food insecurity issues knows how to celebrate Thanksgiving, by giving back to the community. Davila and board of director’s members Anne Jones, Belinda Allen and Chris Zollinger will be at the St. George Senior Center Tuesday, Nov. 21 at noon to celebrate the season of giving by donating kitchen equipment, a commercial steamer and $2,000 to the center and Memory Matters of Utah. Says Elizabeth, “Our goal is not only to feed those in need, but to create a sense of value, self-worth and inclusion that enhances their quality of life. This is a vision that both organizations are very aligned with as well.”

Though the event will provide an opportunity for Momma’s Kitchen to support vital programs in our community, the donations come at a bittersweet time as the two year old organization closes its doors, donating all assets and funding to other charitable organizations. Together, the Momma’s Kitchen team assessed food security programs and nonprofits in the community and came to the decision that collaborating with successful organizations and programs would be the best way to support our community and those we serve. With this in mind, the board of Directors agreed to provide Memory Matters of Utah the commercial equipment and cash, and the St. George Senior Center with the remaining kitchen equipment. 
Over the past twenty four months, Momma’s Kitchen struggled with procuring a facility and capital campaign funding. Davila said, “Two years ago I started a nonprofit to feed those in need. Last year I had the privilege of taking courses with Utah Nonprofits Association and really got to see how nonprofits work, manage and write grants to keep their doors open. Many times, people have no idea when they see a fundraiser or charity event how important it is to collect every dollar just to keep the doors open. In today’s economy, there aren’t enough grants to go around. If every person in Washington County gave just $1 to one nonprofit that would be $138,000, a considerable amount for any nonprofit. As a responsive, engaged member of our community, I employ our residents to give. Don't hesitate to give that $1 or more.”
Memory Matters of Utah has also been working on raising capital for a kitchen remodel at their location. LuAnn Lundquist, Executive Director said, “The money we receive from Momma’s Kitchen will be earmarked to feed seniors in our activity classes and at our new adult day activity center when the remodel is complete.” Joining Lundquist for the check presentation will be Volunteer Coordinator, Janet Labrum and Development Director, David Moore. “We are very truly appreciative to Elizabeth and the board at Momma’s Kitchen.”

Washington County Council on Aging, St. George Center Supervisor Jeanne Johnson also expressed her appreciation. “On average we serve 375 local seniors on site each week. We also cook and deliver 240 meals per weekday to St. George and surrounding areas through the Meals On Wheels program. On the weekend, we serve 480 meals a day on average. This kitchen equipment will help us to serve healthy, delicious meals more efficiently.”

Gratitude is definitely on the menu this Thanksgiving for Davila. “I am grateful and would like to thank all my donors, board members and volunteers who helped with fundraisers and grant writing. Though my goal was not reached, I had numerous accomplishments that exceeded my expectations. The awareness is out in the community, kitchen equipment will be donated to the Washington County Senior Center and cash donations to Memory Matters of Utah. That is a blessing in itself. Many blessings to all!”
Please join Momma’s Kitchen, St. George Senior Center and Memory Matters of Utah for the donation celebration event:

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: St. George Senior Center, 245 N. 200 West, St. George, UT 84770
Phone: [phone redacted]
*Attendees are encouraged to join the many wonderful seniors on site for a delicious and nutritious lunch for a suggested donation of $3.00 or greater.

About the Washington County Senior Centers
The Washington County Council on Aging’s mission statement is to provide programs and activities at the Senior Citizen Centers that will enable residents of Washington County who are 60 years of age or older, to live healthy and independent lives, and to be treated with respect and dignity. To accomplish this mission, we currently have three Senior Centers located in St. George, Hurricane, and Enterprise and one meal site in Springdale. Each of these locations serves lunch. The three Senior Centers also offer a wide variety of activities to include exercise classes, art classes, recreation, health screenings, computer instruction, entertainment and transportation. We hope you’ll take the time to visit the link for the Senior Center nearest you for the days & hours of operation and see what specific activities interest you!

About Memory Matters Utah/Nevada
Memory Matters Utah /Nevada meets the growing needs of the senior population in southern Utah and Mesquite, Nevada experiencing memory loss due to Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. Memory Matters is a 501(C)(3) local service organization operating in southern Utah and Mesquite, Nevada. Memory Matters believe in passionately empowering both individuals and caregivers who face this journey with resources, information, and guidance. Memory Matters provides free and low-cost local activities, support, education and consultation services to the public.