Anna Sudha Community Kitchens: Year-End Reflections and New Year Wishes
Dear Friends,
As 2024 comes to a close, we at Anna Sudha Community Kitchens want to take
a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had this year and share our aspirations for the year ahead. Your support has been the cornerstone of our mission to combat hunger and build inclusive communities
It’s an exciting time at Anna Sudha Community Kitchens, and we’re delighted to share our latest news and ways you can join us in spreading joy and support this festive season.
Community Recognition
- Recognized by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares during the India Independence Day celebrations for our service to communities.
- Featured in Loudoun Times-Mirror for creating a “magical” space for Loudoun residents in need.
- Honored by the Virginia House of Delegates and Loudoun County Board of Supervisors for our ongoing efforts to end food insecurity.
- Acknowledged by Shelterhouse and Carpenter’s Shelter for our regular donations of cooked meals, supporting their efforts in serving individuals experiencing homelessness.
Partnerships and Support
- Grateful to FoodWorks Org for providing opportunities for corporate catering.
- Our partnership with Food Rescue US allowed us to receive rescued food from stores and the Visa office, significantly contributing to our programs.
- Signed a new MOU with Crossroads Job to provide volunteering opportunities for skill development and improvement.
- Extended our MOU with MakomLife and other group homes, offering valuable volunteer opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities, fostering inclusivity and skill-building in the community.
New Initiatives
Launched Chaat and Dosa counters as part of our food truck and event offerings, bringing a delightful variety of popular Indian street foods to our community while raising funds for our mission.
Celebrations and Milestones
- Indian Independence Day Celebration: We had the honor of being recognized by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares during the India Independence Day celebrations for our contributions to the community.
- Celebrated our 3rd Anniversary with a joyful event, marking three years of serving the community, combating hunger, and fostering inclusivity. It was a special moment to reflect on our growth, share our achievements, and look forward to the future.
Fundraising Opportunities
Community Partnerships
- A heartfelt thank you to Rhythmaya Group and Studio Dhoom for organizing fundraising opportunities to support our mission.
- A special thank you to Aurora’s Winter Circus Adventure for giving us the opportunity to be a café vendor at their circus events.
- Gratitude to all individuals and groups who entrusted us with catering their events, enabling us to further our mission.
Corporate Catering
We successfully catered events at the Visa office and Census Bureau, opportunities made possible through FoodWorks Org.
Donors and Grants
We extend our deepest gratitude to the following donors whose generosity has been vital to our work:
- Fresh Food Frontiers for donating fresh produce every week, ensuring that we can provide nutritious meals to those in need.
- Jain Family Foundation, Prasad Family Foundation, and Suneer & Priya Aurora Foundation for their timely and generous donations, especially
- Indian Spice Food Market for their monthly donation of groceries.
- Brite Group for their monthly donation of Costco gift cards.
- Received a generous $5,000 grant from Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation to further our mission.
Local Business Sponsors
A special thank you to our local business sponsors for stepping up when we were facing times of financial needs:
- Vision Montessori for their partnership and dedication to community development.
- Ritu Desai, Realtor, for generously supporting our mission and helping us reach more people.
Volunteers
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all our volunteers who made 2024 an unforgettable year. We especially recognize the incredible efforts of high schoolers and volunteer groups such as the Eagle Scouts, CMCB (Claude Moore Community Builders – Program of Loudoun Youth), YMSL (Young Men’s Service League) and many others for their group volunteering initiatives. A special mention to the corporate groups who visited and volunteered, contributing their time and energy to our mission. Your dedication inspires us every day.
Upcoming Events
Open House & New Year Party: Join us on December 27, 28, and 29 for our first-ever Open House and New Year celebration! Meet our superstar volunteers, chef, founder, and board members while enjoying a multi-course spread of food prepared with love.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we step into the new year, we are filled with hope and determination to expand our impact. Our goals include:
Launching a Senior Meal Program to provide nutritious and delicious meals tailored to the needs of senior citizens.
Introducing a new program where volunteers visit shelters with cooked hot meals, serving once every month in each shelter.
Collaborating with Britepaths to build a Pathfinder Kitchen and create culinary training programs to empower individuals toward long-term self-sufficiency.
Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey:
Your generosity and belief in our mission fuel our work every day. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of so many. From all of us at Anna Sudha Community Kitchens, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
