Week 50: Happy to Help the Happy Place

My friend Lauren and her business partner Sally started a nonprofit to get kids and adults of all abilities cooking. After years of working in client and borrowed spaces, they decided to go big and open their own brick and mortar location in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. 

I attended the grand opening events of Happy Place Cooking Space at their charming space today and was really impressed by how it all came together since the day Lauren first approached me at a wine bar and brought up the idea of me donating time and my natural excitement for things I believe in to become a part of the fundraising committee.

Of course, I said yes.

Together, Lauren, Sally, two other amazing women in town with connections and big ideas, and myself met every month to two to brainstorm ways to raise $200,000 to reach their goal (space, renovations, everything needed in a professional kitchen, supplies, tables, chairs, aprons, etc). 

We discussed generous local business we had ties to, families we knew were supportive of their mission, spitballed smaller fundraising ideas individuals would have fun participating in, and more. I really wish I had taken photos during those meetings because we were fed well, "We're a cooking business," they'd say as they dished everything out. 

After months of meetings and texts and encouragement to keep moving forward, the doors opened today. And it couldn't have turned out lovelier! 

The designs and colors do indeed make it a Happy Place! 

The thoughtful food-inspired custom artwork to showcase the donor names looks incredible!

The layout is open and bright and inviting!

The kitchen is stocked!

And the doors, and class registrations, are now open!!

Congratulations, ladies! I'm so proud of you!!