NKBA’s mission to inspire the industry extends beyond regular chapter meetings and reaches into communities across the U.S. and Canada, as volunteer leaders in NKBA’s 70 chapters make a lasting impact through charitable contributions.
Above photo: The Texas North Plains Chapter raised a record $8,435 for Operation Finally Home, a non-profit assisting military veterans and their families with housing. Photo courtesy of Andrew Risinger, CMKBD
NKBA Chapters: Manhattan
In New York City, the Manhattan Chapter is committed to giving back throughout the year. Manhattan Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Rose Ott recently organized chapter volunteers for the second time at God’s Love We Deliver, helping to pack 1,600 meals at Thanksgiving for New Yorkers facing illness and food insecurity. As Ott shared,
“Our members were proud to be part of the incredible milestone, as God’s Love We Deliver celebrated delivering 40 million meals,” said Ott. “In just four hours of dedicated volunteering, we realized the impact we can make. This hands-on event deepened our sense of unity and strengthened our commitment to making a difference in people’s lives, fueling our drive to participate in similar initiatives.”
Manhattan Chapter officers and members volunteered with non-profit God’s Love We Deliver, preparing more than 1,600 meals for New Yorkers in need. Photo courtesy of Rose Ott
In fact, the following month, the Manhattan Chapter continued serving others through their 25th anniversary and holiday celebration, where Chapter Programs Chair Joan Ravasy encouraged all guests to bring unwrapped children’s pajamas for the NYC-based non-profit Pajama Program.
NKBA Texas North Plains Chapter
The Texas North Plains Chapter continues to make a lasting impact in the region through Operation Finally Home, a non-profit organization providing mortgage-free homes, home modifications and transitional housing to wounded, ill and injured military veterans.
“This year, we raised $8,435, which is 20% more than our previous highest amount,” said Texas North Plains Chapter president, Andrew Risinger, CMKBD. “This event is always the highlight of our chapter year.”
NKBA Chapters: Ottawa
The Ottawa Chapter recently unveiled a two-year charitable project – a new kitchen for a local women’s shelter. Chapter president, Natalia Pierce, CMKBD, described the impact, “When you take on a huge project like this to give back to the community, it establishes a sense of pride and collaboration. Bringing people together for a great cause is empowering.”
The Ottawa Chapter utilized the talents of its certified designers to create an incredible kitchen, and a local chapter supporter cabinet manufacturer donated the cabinets. Additional designers and companies donated sinks, faucets, countertops, labor and more. When asked what made this project so successful, Pierce answered, “In a word: community. It has been a remarkable journey throughout this entire process. ‘Ask and you shall receive’ truly has been the motto, as large manufacturers and small businesses alike joined forces with our chapter members to make this happen.”
Southern Ohio/Kentucky Chapter members prepared meals at the Ronald McDonald House in Cincinnati. Photo courtesy of Shayna Hall
NKBA SOKY Chapter
The “Taste of Hope” program supports the Ronald McDonald House in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Southern Ohio/Kentucky Chapter contributes through an annual volunteer day at the house.
“This day of volunteering is so meaningful to our chapter, where we prepare and serve meals to support the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House,” said SOKY Chapter Programs Chair Shayna Hall. “This initiative is part of our effort to give back to our community and serve beyond the industry.”
NKBA Virginia Chapter
At the Virginia Living Museum, Virginia State Chapter President Sarah Pierce Alexander, CKBD, and chapter volunteers dedicated their time and talents to create a festive holiday environment, decorating the museum’s outdoor boardwalk. The open-air museum in Newport News includes many living exhibits of Virginia’s indigenous species, with an aquarium, science center, aviary, botanical preserve and planetarium. The Cchapter’s designs and decorations elevate the museum experience every year.
