As we look back at 2023, Moonlynn and I recall a year that was as challenging as it was rewarding, filled with moments that vividly remind us of why we started this mission.
As we transitioned Heart of Dinner from a grassroots initiative to a fiscally sponsored operation, and finally to a nonprofit organization, we find that it’s been similar to steering a startup through new territories. These shifts over the formative years have been filled with continuous learning, adapting, and innovating. Navigating the complexities of the nonprofit landscape has tested our resolve, pushing us to carefully weigh what aspects of our mission we can uphold without compromising, and what adjustments are necessary for organizational growth. Each and every step of this journey has required thoughtful, mindful, and conscious decision-making— striving to preserve the integrity and heart of our mission alongside our evolving structure.
This year in 2024, our mission at Heart of Dinner is more critical than ever and gained an even greater sense of urgency. Reflecting on the findings from a report by Robin Hood in collaboration with Columbia University, it's disheartening to learn that 23% of Asian New Yorkers live in poverty. This rate starkly surpasses the citywide average of 16% of all New Yorkers. Even more concerning, 28% of Asian New Yorkers 65 years of age or older were living in poverty, exceeding the citywide average of 23% for seniors. These realities not only drive home the ongoing challenges but also reinforce the continuing critical need for Heart of Dinner's culturally nuanced and empathetic work.
As we continue to navigate these landscapes, every story shared by and about our Elders, along with the acts of kindness from our donors, partners, volunteers, and team, has been a cornerstone in reinforcing the essence of our mission. These genuine connections and heartfelt stories have deepened the love and care that are at the very core of Heart of Dinner.
Last year was significant in our journey, with over 175,000 meals delivered since our founding in 2020. And in 2023 alone, we’ve deepened our outreach across NYC neighborhoods and invested over $500,000 in partnerships with independent food establishments owned by individuals from historically marginalized communities.
Dear Heart of Dinner Community,
Our mission transcends beyond addressing physical hunger, we also focus on the emotional and social well-being of our community. With loneliness and isolation increasingly affecting our Elders – studies indicating that more than 40% of older adults experience these feelings regularly – our mission of home-delivering care packages of culturally thoughtful meals, accompanied by personal touches of handwritten notes and beautiful artwork, becomes a vital connection for many.
The Center for an Urban Future's report sheds light on the alarming increase in depression and suicide among elderly immigrants in New York, going beyond mere economic hardship. This underscores the vital role of Heart of Dinner, which transcends past essential nutritional support and culturally thoughtful food provision, to include indispensable support for emotional and mental well-being.
Your support, whether through donations, fundraising, hands-on volunteering, contributing decorated bags and heartfelt notes, or sharing and amplifying our story and impact, remains the lifeblood of Heart of Dinner. We are immensely grateful for your unwavering uplifting.
We warmly invite you to visit our 2023 reflections below, a year filled with touching memories and significant milestones.
Thank you for sharing your generous hearts with us. We are deeply touched and honored to continue this journey alongside you in 2024, nourishing the hearts and souls of our Elders.
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Moonlynn Tsai & Yin Chang
Co-Founders
Co-Executive Directors
A Call to Action in 2024 - Heart of Dinner Needs You!
Now in January 2024, as we reflect on the impactful year that was 2023, we invite you to join us in fortifying our mission of addressing food insecurity, social isolation, and loneliness among Asian American older adults living in under-resourced and underinvested communities. Your support remains the foundation that enables us to carry out our impactful work in re-imagining elder care and rebuilding the care economy. Whether it's through monetary donations, volunteering time, or creating beautifully decorated bags and handwritten notes, every contribution you make is invaluable to us.
1. Your Donations Are Vital: The funds you donate are beyond vital and necessary for us in sustaining and fortifying our initiatives. Your financial contributions allows us to maintain the quality and meaningful reach of our services. Click here to donate and make a difference in 2024!
2. Urgent Call for Our Continued Need for Decorated Bags & Handwritten Notes: Your creativity and time are still urgently needed. The bags and notes you create are more than just personal touches; they are central to our care packages and treasured by our elders. Your creativity and dedication are the lifeblood of Heart of Dinner and we count on your support to help make our Lunar New Year celebration and ongoing deliveries truly special.🧡 Please read more below:
a. Immediate Need for General Decorations: If you've prepared bags and notes that are not Lunar New Year-themed, please deliver them as soon as you can. These general decorations are essential for our regular weekly care package assemblies, and we currently need about 700 of these items urgently. Need Heart of Dinner bags to decorate? Click here for easy-to-follow instructions on how to get these bags and the process for submitting them back to us.
b. Specific Need for Traditional Chinese Handwritten Notes: At present, we are fully stocked with notes in other languages but have a significant need for notes written in Traditional Chinese. Your handwritten messages in Traditional Chinese will deeply resonate with many of our elders and are greatly appreciated. Click here for easy-to-follow instructions for note-writing instructions and the process for submitting them back to us.
c. Special Request for Lunar New Year-Themed Contributions: As we look forward to celebrating the 2024 Lunar New Year with our beneficiaries, we invite you to create Lunar New Year-themed bags and notes. These will add a festive and culturally resonant touch to the care packages delivered during the Lunar New Year festivities. Please plan to drop off your completed Lunar New Year-themed decorations and notes by January 31, 2024, to ensure they are included in our special Lunar New Year deliveries! Click here for easy-to-follow instructions on how to get these bags and the process for submitting them back to us.
3. Spread the Word: We encourage you to share your experience with friends and invite them to join our volunteer community. The more hands we have, the more hearts we can reach. Whether it’s being hands-on with operations, driving your car to deliver care packages, making weekly reminder calls to our Elders, decorating bags, writing notes, or any other form of volunteer work, every effort counts. Click here to volunteer!
Thank you for being a vital part of the Heart of Dinner community. Your involvement and generosity are what make our work possible. We're excited to continue this beautiful journey with you this year in 2024, hand in hand, making a real difference in the lives of our elders. Together, let's make 2024 even more impactful and filled with warmth and care. 🧡
2023 has been filled with moments that have touched us to our core, moments that have made our journey so meaningful. They brought us back to the emotional beginnings of 'Crying Wednesdays,' a tradition that started with our very first delivery.
A heart-stirring message from a thoughtful and compassionate community member particularly moved us. He reached out with gratitude and reflection, "I want to share a brief story with you," he wrote. "My aunt passed away last week. (She lived a wonderful and healthy life and we’re celebrating that)."
His aunt had lived alone in a senior housing complex in the Two Bridges neighborhood. After her passing, as her family gently sorted through her belongings, they found a touching discovery- piles of Heart of Dinner bags were found throughout her home. Each one silently speaking volumes of not just the nourishment and care she received from us, but also of how much she treasured the deep and meaningful connection they brought into her life.
Her nephew shared how appreciative and grateful his aunt was for our deliveries. Seeing the bags that his Aunt lovingly kept, he wrote, "This made me think of you and the Heart of Dinner family. I am beyond grateful for the incredible work you do, it really touched my aunt and brought joy to her."
This story is a reminder of the profound impact we can make through our collective efforts. It's about more than just meal deliveries, it's about bringing moments of joy and companionship to those who need it most.
With each care package delivery, with every thoughtful gesture, we are re-building the care economy. This story is integral to our mission of reimagining elder care, just as each elder we serve is central to our heart and purpose.
A Story That Moved Us Deeply
Another Heartwarming Connection
We received a message from one of our beneficiaries, reminding us of the loving connections we're building through Heart of Dinner. It came from an Elder we've had the honor of serving since 2020, who speaks both Cantonese and Mandarin.
One day, a text message arrived, carrying words that resonated with the love and care we strive to provide. Translated from her native language, she wrote: "I have received your love heart vegetables, thank you for your care and love for me, and I love you too. I'm very grateful to you for all your help. Thank you! 🌹🌹🌹"
Her words carried a depth beyond the mere mention of food. They spoke of the underlying sentiment of being cherished, remembered, and loved. They are a beautiful reminder of our core values at Heart of Dinner and the heartbeat of our mission.
Love, Care, and Nourishment Through Art
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Featured in this image is a selection from our archive of lovingly illustrated bags. Each a masterpiece of care, showcasing the distinct creativity and care that is a hallmark of our mission at Heart of Dinner. They are prime examples of Heart of Dinner’s signature approach infusing every delivery with sincere feelings of warmth, joy, and love. These bags are more than just vessels to transport meals, they are vivid representations of our community's love and commitment, embodying the heart and purpose of Heart of Dinner in every detail.
2023 Highlights at Heart of Dinner
Each of these milestones and moments represents a step forward in our mission to address food insecurity, social isolation, and loneliness among Asian American older adults living in significantly under-resourced and underinvested communities.
01
175,000+ meals delivered to our elders. This figure reflects a variety of culturally thoughtful and nutritious offerings, ranging from delicious and hearty ready-to-eat lunchboxes to a curated assortment of groceries and pantry staples, commonly loved in Asian immigrant homes, for our elders to prepare meals with agency. Integral to this achievement is the distribution of more than 165,000+ pounds of fruits and vegetables to provide fresh meal components.
02
$500,000+ invested back into local New York eateries and food establishments. 100% owned by women or individuals from historically marginalized groups. This investment reflects our commitment to fostering sustainable, community-focused relationships.
03
15,000+ Hours of volunteer efforts. This incredible number of volunteer hours is a testament to their unwavering commitment and has been pivotal in achieving our goals, reflecting the dedication and heart of our community in supporting our elders.
04
Broadening Our Reach: Heart of Dinner has furthered its reach into Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, significantly expanding our footprint and service areas.
05
Multilingual Messages of Love: We've delivered handwritten notes in multiple languages, including Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, and Japanese, embracing the diverse linguistic and cultural nuance.
06
Trees Planted for Sustainability. For every 250 brown bags we purchase for our supply of decorated bags, we plant a tree in partnership with One Tree Planted, blending our mission of care with environmental stewardship. This initiative embodies our dedication to creating a sustainable cycle of giving, impacting not just our community but also our planet.
07
Spotlight at a Vice Presidential Event: The Vice President and Glamour magazine co-hosted a celebration of International Women's Month held at the Vice President's residence. Glamour's Editor in Chief, Samantha Barry, mentioned Heart of Dinner in her welcoming remarks. This acknowledgment, in front of the Vice President and other distinguished guests, shone a spotlight on the impact of our mission and the Asian American older adult population we serve, marking it as one of our most memorable and proud moments of the year reach an even wider audience.
08
Fortune Magazine Feature: Heart of Dinner was featured in a Fortune Magazine video, showcasing our efforts and the stories behind our mission to a broader audience. Click here to watch.
09
Global Stage at Clinton Global Initiative: We brought Heart of Dinner on the mainstage at the Clinton Global Initiative, sharing our mission and stories to a global audience, inspiring many, and forming new relationships that are instrumental to furthering our mission. Watch our speech from the main stage at the Clinton Global Initiative by clicking here.
10
Forbes Summit Representation: Representing Heart of Dinner at the Forbes 30/50 summit in Abu Dhabi was a milestone that allowed us to share our vision and connect with global leaders.
11
Featured in "Raw Deal" by Chloe Sorvino Highlighting Food Inequality: Heart of Dinner was featured in Chloe Sorvino's insightful book, "Raw Deal: Hidden Corruption, Corporate Greed, And The Fight for the Future of Meat." Sorvino's book delves into the stark realities of food inequality in America, highlighting the significant gap in access to healthy food and its deep-rooted connections to institutional racism and diet-related chronic illnesses. The mention of Heart of Dinner in the book brings into focus the urgent need for the work we do, aligning us with the broader conversation about creating equitable food systems. Click here to order her book!
12
In-Person Retail Debut: We ventured into physical retail with our merchandise's debut at WTHN. This collaboration provided a unique platform to engage a broader audience, sharing our mission in a tangible, retail environment and further expanding community awareness and support.
13
Merchandise Expansion and Collaboration: We expanded our merch line with the introduction of our caps and a coffee collaboration with Persimmon Coffee. With 100% of proceeds supporting our cause, supporters have new ways to contribute. Visit Heart of Dinner's shop to explore and support.
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Each of these milestones and moments represents a step forward in our mission to address food insecurity, social isolation, and loneliness among Asian American older adults living in significantly under-resourced and underinvested communities.
2023 Highlights at Heart of Dinner
01
175,000+ meals delivered to our elders. This figure reflects a variety of culturally thoughtful and nutritious offerings, ranging from delicious and hearty ready-to-eat lunchboxes to a curated assortment of groceries and pantry staples, commonly loved in Asian immigrant homes, for our elders to prepare meals with agency. Integral to this achievement is the distribution of more than 165,000+ pounds of fruits and vegetables to provide fresh meal components.
02
$500,000+ invested back into local New York eateries and food establishments. 100% owned by women or individuals from historically marginalized groups. This investment reflects our commitment to fostering sustainable, community-focused relationships.
03
15,000+ Hours of volunteer efforts. This incredible number of volunteer hours is a testament to their unwavering commitment and has been pivotal in achieving our goals, reflecting the dedication and heart of our community in supporting our elders.
04
Broadening Our Reach: Heart of Dinner has furthered its reach into Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, significantly expanding our footprint and service areas.
05
Multilingual Messages of Love: We've delivered handwritten notes in multiple languages, including Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, and Japanese, embracing the diverse linguistic and cultural nuance.
06
Trees Planted for Sustainability. For every 250 brown bags we purchase for our supply of decorated bags, we plant a tree in partnership with One Tree Planted, blending our mission of care with environmental stewardship. This initiative embodies our dedication to creating a sustainable cycle of giving, impacting not just our community but also our planet.
07
Spotlight at a Vice Presidential Event: The Vice President and Glamour magazine co-hosted a celebration of International Women's Month held at the Vice President's residence. Glamour's Editor in Chief, Samantha Barry, mention Heart of Dinner in her welcoming remarks. This acknowledgment, in front of the Vice President and other distinguished guests, shone a spotlight on our mission and impact, marking it as one of our most memorable and proud moments of the year reach an even wider audience about our work and the Elders we serve.
08
Fortune Magazine Feature: Heart of Dinner was featured in a Fortune Magazine video, showcasing our collective efforts and the stories behind our mission to a broad audience. Click here to watch.
09
Global Stage at Clinton Global Initiative: We brought Heart of Dinner on the mainstage at the Clinton Global Initiative, sharing our mission and stories to a global audience, inspiring many, and forming new relationships that are instrumental to furthering our mission. Watch our speech from the main stage at the Clinton Global Initiative by clicking here.
10
Forbes Summit Representation: Representing Heart of Dinner at the Forbes 30/50 summit in Abu Dhabi was a milestone that allowed us to share our vision and connect with global leaders.
11
Featured in "Raw Deal" by Chloe Sorvino: Highlighting Food Inequality: Heart of Dinner was featured in Chloe Sorvino's insightful book, "Raw Deal: Hidden Corruption, Corporate Greed, And The Fight for the Future of Meat." Sorvino's book delves into the stark realities of food inequality in America, highlighting the significant gap in access to healthy food and its deep-rooted connections to institutional racism and diet-related chronic illnesses. Our mention in the book brings into focus the urgent need for the work we do at Heart of Dinner, aligning us with the broader conversation about creating equitable food systems. Click here to order her book!
12
In-Person Retail Debut: We ventured into physical retail with our merchandise's debut at WTHN. This collaboration provided a unique platform to engage a broader audience, sharing our mission in a tangible, retail environment and further expanding community awareness and support.
13
Merchandise Expansion and Collaboration: We expanded our merch line with the introduction of our caps and a coffee collaboration with Persimmon Coffee. With 100% of proceeds supporting our cause, supporters have new ways to contribute. Visit Heart of Dinner's shop to explore and support.
Celebrating Our Heart of Dinner Team
2023 has been a year of significant growth and joy for Heart of Dinner, especially in terms of our wonderful team. We not only continued to strengthen our operations across four different packing sites but also recently introduced a new role dedicated to supporting volunteer phone callers and connecting with our Elders. These steps have already shown promising potential in boosting our efficiency and will only continue to uplift our operational efficiency and our capacity to serve with even more love and care.
We're thrilled to have welcomed Patti Look (East Village site lead) and Anna Lee (Two Bridges site lead) to our team this year, joining forces with our long-standing team members Zoe Lau (Volunteer Connection Coordinator), Jennifer Tran (Lower East Side site lead), and Annie Lu (Harlem site lead). Each team member embodies a spirit of kindness, compassion, and commitment to our mission, playing an indispensable role in strengthening Heart of Dinner's reach and impact.
Our small yet undeniably mighty team is the pulse of our operations. We're immensely proud of the thoughtful and intentional growth we've nurtured this year. Together, we're a team united by a common goal: to serve, support, and uplift our community with every interaction.
Volunteer Community Spotlight
We are filled with deep appreciation for our truly phenomenal community of volunteers. Their steadfast commitment and warmth have been essential in shaping Heart of Dinner's volunteer community. Thank you all for being the heartbeat of our community! Please read through some reflections from our volunteers that we gathered through our anonymous volunteer experience survey:
One Volunteer kindly shared, "I love working as a passenger to deliver goods to the elders. Not only do I get personal one-on-one interactions with the elders and share my warmth with a brief delivery exchange at their front doors, I also enjoy getting to know and work with the driver as well—navigating the streets of NY that motivate us and allow us to feel integrated with the elderly Asian community even more."
Another volunteer reflected, "Delivering to elders and connecting with them, even briefly, has been a highlight, making me feel part of a larger community." And another added, "From packing bags to meeting volunteers, it's the relationships built along the way that have left a lasting impact on me."
Their stories are a testament to the joy and unity our volunteers bring, not just to our elders but to one another. Whether it's the appreciation in the eyes of an elder or the camaraderie and newly formed friendships among volunteers (with many heartwarming stories of Volunteers visiting each other abroad!)-- these moments form the heart of our mission.
In December 2023, we hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Gathering pictured here with a small representation of our vast and vibrant volunteer community. Each person in this photo, and many more who couldn’t make it, represent the spirit of compassion and community that drives Heart of Dinner.
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Our plan includes acquiring vehicles, forming a specialized team of drivers fully trained in Heart of Dinner's values and ethos, and managing every aspect of this operation. This is a significant undertaking, one that will require extensive fundraising and community support, but we believe it's a crucial step in solidifying our foundation for the future, preparing the building blocks to scale with intention.
As we roll our sleeves up for this journey, we see a future where our operations run smoothly, where every Elder we serve feels the full measure of our care and respect. This is more than an operational goal; it's a recommitment to our mission, a promise to our elders, and a testament to the trust and support you, our community, have placed in us in nurturing our Elders, upholding dignity, and spreading love - one delivery at a time.
The lessons learned and the challenges faced in 2023 are shaping our future strategy this year. At the forefront of our new vision is the development of a dedicated delivery infrastructure. This ambitious goal, a direct response to the challenges we faced in the past year, is part of our commitment as a partner of the Clinton Global Initiative's Commitment to Action.
We announced this initiative at the Clinton Global Initiative during our main stage speech, highlighting our commitment to a global audience. (Watch our speech by clicking here.) The focus is not just to establish a reliable delivery system but to ensure every care package reaches our elders with warmth, personal touch, and a sense of belonging, reinforcing their connection to our community. It's about making sure that our elders never feel rushed but always feel valued and part of our community, and we never want to sacrifice our integrity with this.
Investing in this infrastructure means that we can reach our existing Elder beneficiaries consistently, without compromising the quality of care that is the hallmark of Heart of Dinner.
Addressing Challenges with a Forward-Thinking Solution: Building a Delivery Infrastructure in 2024 and Beyond
As we roll our sleeves up for this journey, we see a future where our operations run smoothly, where every Elder we serve feels the full measure of our care and respect. This is more than an operational goal; it's a recommitment to our mission, a promise to our elders, and a testament to the trust and support you, our community, have placed in us in nurturing our Elders, upholding dignity, and spreading love - one delivery at a time.
ESSEX MARKET: For the third consecutive year, Essex Market has graciously donated their beautiful test kitchen for our Lower East Side packing site. We're deeply grateful for their ongoing support that has been crucial in our operations and outreach.
LA MARQUETA: We're deeply grateful to La Marqueta for donating space for our Harlem packing site. This generosity has significantly bolstered our efforts in furthering our reach into the Harlem neighborhood.
ACQ Breads & Stephanie Shih: A special mention to Tyler Lee Steinbrenner, owner and baker at ACQ Bread Co., and artist Stephanie Shih, whose collaboration has blessed and generously gifted us with the donation of bread for our Brooklyn distribution from 2022-2023.
YEN NGO OF VAN DA: Our heartfelt thank you to Yen Ngo of Van Da for her extraordinary generosity in lending us her van for 3 consecutive years, which we have access to 24/7. Her incredible gesture and unwavering support has been a cornerstone in our ability to be physically agile within our operational capabilities, allowing us to mobilize quickly and efficiently. With her generous support over the years, we've been able to carry out important food rescues, transport indispensable items for Heart of Dinner events and awareness efforts, and manage our operational deliveries efficiently. These activities represent just a glimpse of the numerous ways in which her contribution has significantly bolstered our nonprofit's capabilities.
Special Acknowledgments to Our In-Kind Contributors
BOKKSU & WONDER: Our sincere gratitude to Bokksu and Wonder for their donation of treats, face care, and essential pantry items. These contributions have been a wonderufl boost for our community!
STICK WITH ME SWEETS: Our operations journey was made even more JOYful, with sincerest thanks to the deliciously generous contributions from Stick With Me Sweets. For the second consecutive year, they have amazed our dedicated volunteers and brought cheerful smiles by sharing their gourmet bonbons and desserts as thoughtful tokens of appreciation. In 2022, we introduced this exciting and creative way to express our gratitude with the instrumental support of Susanna Yoon and Wan Zhang of Stick With Me Sweets. We also teamed up with the talented illustrator and designer Nancy Pappas where Nancy crafted beautiful and collectible 'driving tickets' for our Volunteer Drivers & Passengers, symbolizing our thanks and allowing them to enjoy Stick With Me Sweets' treats. This volunteer appreciation initiative has infused our volunteering activities with an element of fun and recognition, playfully acknowledging our volunteers' commitment. We are deeply appreciative of the ongoing support from Stick With Me Sweets, which has consistently energized our volunteer community and reinforced the spirit of our mission. Our heartfelt gratitude go to Stick With Me Sweets for their kindness and unwavering generosity and to Nancy Pappas for her artistic excellence, both of which have brought so much JOY to the volunteer experience at Heart of Dinner!
Celebrating Our Donors' Unwavering Support
There is absolutely no way Heart of Dinner would continue exist without the instrumental support of our extraordinary donors. We are deeply moved by the amazing support we've received from our donors and partners. Their contributions have been nothing short of inspiring, and it's heartwarming to witness the creative and generous ways people have supported our mission.
Extraordinary Individual Contributions: This year, we saw remarkable acts of kindness. Alongside those who transformed their wedding registries into fundraising opportunities for us, we've seen an array of inventive fundraising efforts. Many celebrated their birthdays by encouraging donations to Heart of Dinner, turning personal celebrations into acts of giving. Students rallied to raise funds, demonstrating the power of youth and community. In a particularly creative endeavor, an amazing individual, Brittany Clayton, organized a 5K run for BTS fans, raising over $10,000 by dedicating 100% of the proceeds to Heart of Dinner! These personal efforts of generosity have significantly contributed to our cause.
Marathon Team Efforts: A special mention and our heartfelt gratitude goes to our extraordinary Marathon team. Ethan Huang, Long Adams, Ja Tecson, Swan Chen, and Toshiki Nakashige each accomplished the herculean feat of running the demanding 26.2 miles, demonstrating remarkable dedication to our cause. Their participation in one of the world’s most renowned marathons did more than just raise funds; it amplified international awareness of Heart of Dinner's mission and the Elders we passionately serve. Each runner raised $5,800, contributing to both our financial goals and global visibility. The combination of their physical endurance and commitment to fundraising has been nothing short of phenomenal. Their efforts have not only helped us financially but have also played a crucial role in bringing our mission to a worldwide audience, marking significant milestones for Heart of Dinner.
Gratitude for Corporate Allies and Business Partnerships: The steadfast support from our corporate and business partners has been indispensable to Heart of Dinner's mission. Their comprehensive involvement has been integral to our growth, ranging from retail initiatives with proceeds benefiting our cause, to companies proactively engaging with us through sponsored Volunteer Days and special Heart of Dinner activities. We're also honored to have been invited to speak at various events, furthering awareness and connection to our cause. This multifaceted partnership has been a substantial pillar of support, significantly contributing to both our fundraising efforts and increasing the visibility of our mission. A heartfelt thank you to our partners, whose names are presented alphabetically: Bloomberg Corporate Philanthropy, Brooklyn Community Foundation, Brooklyn Nets, Civil Arts, Cranmere, Fairfield County's Community Giving, Fulton Street Brewery, Harper Books, Harpers Books, HBO, Merci Milo, J & K Pi Family Foundation, James Beard Foundation, Kimley Horn, Live Nation, Lo & Sons, Lord Abbett, Maison Miru, Material Kitchen, Ma-Yi Theater Company, MKM Foundation, Next Millenium Productions, Philadelphia Hardware Supply, Raschenburg Foundation, The Aviary Kinderhook, The Bowery Presents, and others incredible partners. Their dedication goes beyond financial contributions, encompassing active participation and advocacy for our work, which has been instrumental in amplifying our impact and outreach.
A Pivotal Contribution from OLO: We are especially grateful to Olo and the entire Team Olo, who through the Tides Foundation, have generously contributed for the second year in a row, with a pivotal donation of $150,000 in 2023. This substantial contribution has been instrumental in strengthening our mission. Beyond their financial support, we also cherish the wonderful experiences of welcoming Olo's team members for their volunteer days. They are not only a joy to have on-site, they also bring such thoughtful, warm, and uplifting energy and kindness to our environment. Each member brings a truly jaw-dropping artistic flair, contributing beautifully decorated bags, and actively participating in packing and delivering care packages. Their involvement embodies the heart of volunteerism and adds a special touch to our efforts at Heart of Dinner.
Each donation, big or small, each creative idea for fundraising, and every partnership has played a critical role in Heart of Dinner’s journey this year. We cannot express enough gratitude for this overwhelming support. It's your belief in our mission that fuels our dedication to serve our elders with care and love. As we look forward to 2024, we do so with immense gratitude and the assurance that with supporters like you, Heart of Dinner can continue to grow and reach even more elders in need. Thank you for being a part of this heartwarming journey. 🧡
In recognition of the diverse and numerous contributors who have aided our cause this past year, we offer our sincere thanks. Each of their contributions, varying in relation to our organization at large, has been instrumental in its own way. Presented in alphabetical order, our heartfelt thanks to:
Adrea Hsueh, Alexandra Scuro, Andrew Teoh, Angel Xu, Amy Huang, Ashley Ambrose, Chloe Tsakiris, Catelyn Zeng, David Nguyen, Erin Jang, Erika Burho, Ellen Lu, Elsa Lai, Eunice Byun, Evelyn Erskine, Fanny Ferguson, Greg Hale, Hannah Wong, James Rooney, Jennie Lai, Judy Kim, Juliana Ocampo, Kevin Lin, Kirk Scott, Kristy Chen, Lelina Chang, Lindsay Kujawa, Luke Schiel, Marya Ruttenber, Meagan Chan, Moira Forbes, Nate Large, Nina P. Freedman, Nina Freedman, nina loschiavo, Phillip Lim, Pui Yu, Robert Lee, Robert & Yun Lee, Ru Wolle, Robecta Ma, Samantha Barry, Sari Kamin, Sebit Min, Sharon Ullman, Shamsa Derrick, Steve Mei, Tani Stephens, Trisha Okubu, Vivian Chen (board member), Xinyu Pan.
Special Thanks To Individual Allies
Special Thanks To Community Partners
We are immensely grateful for the unwavering dedication of our community partners who have been steadfastly serving communities across New York City for decades. A special shoutout to our 2023 community partners Chinese American Planning Council, Hamilton Madison House, Nanoom Shelter, Japanese American Social Services, Grand Street Settlement, and UMA Alliance for their incredible work and enduring commitment.
Our nonprofit is proud to provide free access to culturally thoughtful nourishment, a service that benefits not only the older adult clients of these remarkable organizations but also a wider circle of older adult individuals whom we reach through various independent channels, including word-of-mouth within our community and on-the-grounds outreach, allowing us to touch the lives of many more Asian American Elders living in under-resourced and underinvested communities.
This collaborative yet expansive approach underscores the breadth of our mission. We are honored to work alongside such dedicated partners, and are committed to providing heartfelt and thoughtful care. Together, we are nurturing a stronger, more compassionate community. To all involved, your efforts and support are the heartbeat of our mission, and we thank you for every act of kindness and tireless efforts.
Heart of Dinner's achievements over the years have been greatly supported by our wider network, including dedicated professionals and partners whose expertise has been crucial. Their partnership has been instrumental in various ways, from development to operations, helping us to serve our community more effectively.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Edward Charles Foundation, which served as our fiscal sponsor from 2020 to 2022, a pivotal time while we awaited the amendment of our nonprofit status and official recognition as a 501(c)(3) public charity. Their support during this period was fundamental to our ability to fundraise in order to sustain, grow, and operate. Since operating through our independent 501(c)(3) public charity status in 2023, we have continued our collaboration with Edward Charles Foundation in a new role providing our comprehensive financial and administrative services.
We are deeply grateful for the invaluable guidance provided by Laura Abel and the seasoned team at the Lawyers Alliance for New York, renowned for their exceptional expertise in nonprofit law. Since 2020, their pivotal role in offering critical legal counsel has been fundamental to our success. Their expertise extends beyond advice, as they have adeptly connected us with top-tier law firms for pro bono support. Our gratitude to Brown Rudnick LLP, Gunderson Dettmer, Dechert, and Fried Frank for their specialized and focused legal assistance.
Our sincere thanks also go to Cullen & Danowski, LLP, our CPA firm, whose financial expertise and in-depth knowledge of the nonoprofit landscape has been invaluable. Additionally, we are grateful for the support of Platinum Resources Inc., our nonprofit’s insurance team, for their crucial role in safeguarding our operations.
A special thank you to Ally, our third-party delivery partner. During times when volunteer availability for our independent routes was limited, the Ally team stepped in, assigning their delivery drivers to ensure our care packages were delivered. Their ability to provide drivers at critical moments has been a tremendous help in maintaining our service continuity.
Each of these partners, working often behind the scenes, has been essential to the smooth running of Heart of Dinner. Their commitment, expertise, and support have been cornerstones of our success, helping us navigate challenges and fulfill our mission more effectively.
Gratitude for Our Essential Partners
Fostering Sustainable Partnerships with Our Food Establishment Partners
We're overwhelmed with pride and gratitude for directing over $500,000 into our cherished partnerships with local, independent food establishments in New York. 100% of these establishments are owned by women or individuals from historically marginalized groups.
Since the inception of Heart of Dinner, we've lived by the philosophy 'a rising tide lifts all boats,' a mantra that has guided not just our personal lives but everything we do. This ethos naturally wove itself into the very foundation of Heart of Dinner as a guiding principle. While our core mission is to alleviate food insecurity, social isolation, and loneliness among Asian American elders in under-resourced and underinvested communities, we've always believed in pursuing this mission in a way that uplifts every possible aspect sustainably.
Our approach is holistic. Providing complimentary, nutritious meals to our elders is just one facet of our mission. Equally important is nurturing a sustainable ecosystem that supports the local, heart-driven businesses essential to the fabric of our communities. Since 2020, this balanced and integrated model has been the cornerstone of our operations, reflecting our profound commitment to the community and fostering enduring, meaningful relationships.
Our deepest appreciation and loving shoutout go to our remarkable restaurant partners, whose commitment to community and uplifting others resonates so closely with our own values. This year alone, we have been so honored to collaborate with Partybus Bakeshop, Saigon Social, Wu's Wonton King, Eat Gai, Zaab Zaab, NB Wing Wong and Eat Chinah.
Each has been integral to our mission, sharing our dedication to nurturing and supporting our community. These partners have provided much more than just hearty, delicious meals; they've infused each dish with a sense of cultural richness and culinary expertise. Their passion for community support and upliftment shines through in every lunchbox they prepare for Heart of Dinner, mirroring our ethos of love, care, and integrity. Together, we're not just feeding Elders; we're nurturing hearts and strengthening the bonds within our community.
Likewise, our most heartfelt appreciation and loving shoutout to our incredible food ingredient supply partners: Asian Veggies, Asia Supply, Fong On, Choy Commons, Gentle Time Farm, and Star Route Farm NY. Their crucial role in providing fresh, quality ingredients has made our elders feel seen. By having access to ingredients that evoke the comfort of home, our elders are empowered to create homemade meals tailored to their preferences, uplifting their sense of connection and well-being. In our joint efforts, we are not just partners but a unified community, collectively focused on making a substantial and positive difference in the lives we reach.
This collaborative effort is a shining example of the power of community and the transformative impact of working together towards a shared goal. As Heart of Dinner continues to grow and serve, we are constantly reminded of the strength, resilience, and heart of these partnerships, which form the backbone of our sustainable and impactful model.