Join the
RISE Giving Circle

Empower Refugee & Immigrant Women Through Culinary Education

Join the RISE Giving Circle
Empower Refugee & Immigrant Women Through Culinary Education

At RISE, we are dedicated to transforming the lives of refugees and immigrants from low-income families by providing culinary education and creating pathways to success in the hospitality industry. We believe in the amazing potential that education brings, and we invite you to be a part of this journey.

Become a Member of the RISE Giving Circle

We are excited to launch the RISE Giving Circle, and we invite you to join us in making a meaningful difference. By becoming a member, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of the RISE Culinary Institute and its impact on our participants’ lives.

Event Details

Date: November 1st

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Pierpont Place, 163 Pierpont Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Why Join the RISE Giving Circle?

Collective Power

Connect with a community of passionate individuals who share your commitment to making a difference. Together, we can achieve more than we could alone.

Networking & Collaboration

Engage in inspiring discussions, share ideas, and learn from one another’s experiences.

Engage in Decision-Making

Have a say in directing collective donations to projects that align with your values.

Learning & Empowerment

Deepen your understanding of social issues and discover innovative solutions to create lasting change.

Recognition & Impact

Witness firsthand how your contributions are transforming lives and communities, providing you with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

RISE Giving Circle Members

We are proud to have remarkable women leading the way in the RISE Giving Circle.
Their commitment and contributions inspire us all

Lisa Eccles

President, George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation

Lisa Eccles is the president and CEO of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation. With a focus on philanthropy, she leads the Foundation in supporting initiatives related to education, health, arts, and community development. Lisa is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the communities served by the Foundation through strategic funding and partnerships. Read More

Kristi Cumming

Director, Park City Foundation

Kristi Cummings is the director of the Park City Community Foundation. In her role, she focuses on supporting local initiatives and enhancing community well-being through various programs. The Foundation aims to address key issues in the Park City area, promoting collaboration and positive change within the community.

Gail Miller

Larry H. Miller Group of Companies

Gail Miller is a business leader and philanthropist based in Utah, known for her role in the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. She is involved in various charitable initiatives, focusing on education, healthcare, and the arts, and has made a significant impact in her community.

Naja Pham Lockwood

Founder, Ryse Media Ventures

Naja Pham Lockwood is a film producer and the founder of Ryse Media Ventures. With a focus on innovative storytelling, she is dedicated to advancing projects that resonate with diverse audiences. Naja's work in the film industry reflects her commitment to creating impactful media and fostering new talent.

Asha Parekh

SL County District Attorney’s Office

Asha Parekh leads the Victims Justice Center at the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office. She previously served as the director of the Utah Refugee Center, where she worked to support and empower refugees in the community. Asha is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations.

Diane Stewart

Founder, Modern West Fine Art

Diane Stewart is the founder of Modern West Fine Art, where she promotes contemporary Western art and supports both emerging and established artists. Her work contributes to Utah’s cultural landscape.

Krista Sorenson

Director, Sorenson Impact Foundation

Krista Sorenson is the Director of the Sorenson Impact Foundation. The foundation focuses on using data-driven approaches to address social issues and improve community outcomes. Through her leadership, Krista is committed to fostering collaboration and innovation to create positive change in various sectors.

Susan Rice

Representative, Celtic Bank

Sue Rice is a former small business owner who sold her company and retired 12 years ago. Currently, she serves as a representative for Celtic Bank and is a member of their Board of Directors.

Jacki Zehner

Founder, SheMoney and ShePlace

Jacki Zehner is the founder of SheMoney & ShePlace, and is a respected advocate for women's advancement based in Park City, Utah. Through her initiatives, she works to empower women by providing resources, education, and support to help them achieve their personal and professional goals. Her commitment to fostering a strong community for women is evident in her efforts to create opportunities for growth and success.

Jacki Zehner

Founder, SheMoney & ShePlace

Jacki Zehner is the founder of SheMoney and ShePlace, and is a respected advocate for women's advancement based in Park City, Utah. Through her initiatives, she works to empower women by providing resources, education, and support to help them achieve their personal and professional goals. Her commitment to fostering a strong community for women is evident in her efforts to create opportunities for growth and success.

Kalpana Patel

Co-founder, Dinesh and Kalpana Patel Foundation

Kalpana Patel, based in Utah, is recognized for her philanthropic efforts in the fields of healthcare and education. She co-founded the Dinesh and Kalpana Patel Foundation, which supports initiatives aimed at enhancing access to quality education and healthcare services in her community. Through her work, she aims to make a positive impact and contribute to the well-being of those in need.

Make a Tangible Difference

Your support, no matter the amount, will be deeply appreciated and recognized as a valued member of our RISE community. Every contribution directly impacts the lives of refugees and immigrants, helping them achieve their dreams and thrive in our local hospitality industry.

Join Us Today!

To pledge your support and join the RISE Giving Circle for the year 2025, simply reply to this email with your interest and the donation amount you’d like to contribute.

Together, let’s empower individuals, create opportunities, and promote social equity through culinary education. 

Donation Levels

We offer various giving levels to accommodate your philanthropic journey. All donations are tax-deductible

Rise Giving Supporter Level

Your generous contribution helps provide essential culinary training resources for participants

$500/year

Rise Giving Champion Level

This level supports expanded educational programs and mentorship opportunities for our culinary students.

$1,000/year

Rise Giving Leader Level

As a Leader, your impact helps us develop new initiatives and enhance our infrastructure, paving the way for even more success stories.

$2,500/year

$500/year

$1,000/year

$2,500/year

Custom Donation Amount

If you wish to set your own recurring annual donation amount, simply select your desired contribution. Every dollar makes a difference!

Thank you for considering making a difference with RISE!

Donation Levels

We offer various giving levels to accommodate your philanthropic journey.
All donations are tax-deductible. 

Attire: Colorful & Vibrant

Get ready to sparkle and shine! We encourage you to wear your most colorful and energetic outfits to help make this celebration unforgettable.

Culinary Extravaganza

Indulge in a delightful feast with live buffet stations featuring: Hearty appetizers and tantalizing desserts.
Cash bar by pierpont place.

Dress: Colorful, Vibrant Attire

Get ready to sparkle and shine! We encourage you to wear your most colorful and energetic outfits to help make this celebration unforgettable.

Culinary Experience

Indulge in a delightful feast with five live buffet stations featuring: - Hearty Appetizers and tantalizing Dessert stations. Cash bar provided by Pierpont Place.

Stories From Afar:

2024 RISE Together Social Dinner Sponsorships

  • Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of refugee women in our community through the 2024 RISE Together Social Dinner.
  • This event not only celebrates food and culture but also empowers and uplifts those who have faced the challenges of displacement.
  • By becoming a sponsor, you have the unique opportunity to support refugee empowerment and contribute to impactful storytelling.

Sponsorship Levels

Visionary Story Teller

Goldman Sachs

Resilience Advocates

Naja Lockwood | Diane Stewart

Community Supporter

Asha Parekh

Kind Donors

Ari Diamonds | Alphagraphics | Scott Evans | Saffron Valley | Rachelle Castor

Thank you for considering becoming a sponsor for the 2024 RISE Together Social Dinner. Your support is vital in empowering refugee women and making a lasting impact in our community. Together, we can create change and uplift lives through the power of food and storytelling. Join us for a night filled with inspiration, connection, and celebration. Let’s come together to support and uplift one another while enjoying diverse flavors and stories from around the world. We can’t wait to see you there!

All donations are tax deductible
Tax ID Number: 82-4909520