Dear friend,

Yesterday marked one week since we came together to celebrate community at our 2025 Making Connections event—and we're still filled with joy and gratitude. 

Thanks to your incredible support, we surpassed our fundraising goal by 30%, raising over $116,000 to nourish our neighbors and sustain our work. This success is a direct reflection of the deep-rooted care, generosity, and commitment that exists within our Lift UP community. 

The evening's theme, Roots of Resilience: Creating a Sustainable Future, reminded us that our strength comes from each other. We lifted up the “tenderness of community” as the quiet but powerful force that keeps us going—especially as we face rising need and looming challenges like the USDA freeze, which is expected to impact 20% of our fresh food supply. 

One of the most moving moments of the evening was sharing the story of Chris, a neighbor whose journey speaks to why this work matters. If you haven't seen it yet—or want to experience it again—you can watch Chris's story here. 

If you weren't able to attend but still want to support our momentum, you can help us reach our stretch goal of $120,000. Every gift—large or small—keeps our root system strong and our neighbors fed and nourished. Make a gift here. 

Whether you were in the room or cheering us on from afar, thank you for being part of the Lift UP family. You are part of the root system that keeps us grounded, growing, and reaching toward a future where everyone has access to nourishing food and community care. Together, we're growing something beautiful. 

Rooted in Gratitude,

Stephanie Barr, Executive Director

P.S. Grab the Tamale Pie Recipe Chris Shared in the Video Here. Do you have pictures from the evening? We'd love to see them! Please upload to this folder here. 

Food brings us together.