Chef Luke Simonds: Culinary Empowerment for Youth
Chef Luke Simonds, Ignite’s Corporate Chef in Denver, took the Giveback Challenge as an opportunity to blend his culinary expertise with his passion for empowering kids to get creative in the kitchen. Partnering with the Urban Leadership Foundation, he organized a remarkable event focused on culinary arts for children involved in the foundation’s leadership program. This day not only provided these young individuals with a unique learning experience but also empowered them to take charge and execute a community event, a requirement for their graduation. Chef Luke’s dedication to using his skills for the betterment of an underserved community resulted in an action-packed and fun day in the kitchen for everyone.
Daina Canavan & Customer Excellence Team: Blankets for the Children’s Hospital Colorado
Understanding the comforting power of a warm blanket, Daina Canavan, Director of Operations, and members of Ignite’s Customer Excellence Team embarked on a meaningful project for children and families experiencing trauma. The group procured blanket kits from local fabric stores and dedicated time to cutting and assembling them with care. The stacks of cozy blankets were delivered to the Children’s Hospital Colorado, aiming to provide a touch of comfort to those in need. This project was made possible through the collective efforts of our compassionate participants: Daina Canavan, Andrea Lascola, Andrew Martinez, and Kelsey Skye, whose generosity and hard work made a significant difference in the lives of many.
Don Riedthaler: Feeding Hungry Children in His Community
In the Northwest, the stark reality of childhood hunger sparked a collective effort led by Don Riedthaler, Director of Sales. With the initial goal of preparing 100 meals for St. Leo’s Parish Food Connection, the overwhelming support from local business partners, enabled the team to amplify their impact by preparing over 300 meals. This project was a collaborative effort, with special recognition to Chef Ryan Devereaux, Ignite’s Corporate Chef in the PNW region, who donated two days of his time to help prepare these special meals. This story of community engagement and generosity illustrates how collective efforts can significantly magnify the impact of individual contributions. Next year’s goal is 500 meals!
In Memory of Russell Shupe: Comforting Children with Teddy Bears
Russell Shupe, a Territory Manager in New Mexico and El Paso, and a retired law enforcement officer, was the first to step up to the challenge. Drawing from his rich experience, Russell conceptualized the idea of distributing customized teddy bears to children involved in distressing situations like accidents or house fires. Collaborating with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and Barran’s Bears Inc., he managed to create 144 “Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy Bears.” These bears are not just toys; they are symbols of comfort and safety to children in their most vulnerable moments. Sadly, Russell passed away in the fall of 2023. He was a remarkable individual whose spirit will forever resonate at Ignite Foodservice Solutions and in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of working alongside him.
At Ignite, we believe in the power of a fun-loving spirit, a team-oriented approach, and giving back. It’s part of our core values. If you know of an organization where Ignite can make a difference, let us know!
