A special event at the Food Bank of the Rockies brought together Women in Business for an engaging afternoon of community service. Volunteers sorted and packed thousands of pounds of food before enjoying a well-earned wine hour.

Rolling Up Their Sleeves for a Worthy Cause

The bustling warehouse of the Food Bank of the Rockies in Grand Junction transformed into a hive of activity as about 15 members from Women in Business participated in the event. The volunteer shift was focused on preparing food packages for those in need, with participants sorting and packing food over a two-hour stretch.

Olivia VanGundy, the community engagement coordinator for the Food Bank of the Rockies, praised the volunteers for their effort and enthusiasm. “It’s inspiring to see organizations come together in such a positive and productive way. Not only does it nourish the community, but it also nourishes relationships and personal well-being,” she said.

The activity wasn’t just about lending a hand; it was about building connections, creating memories, and feeling the satisfaction of making a difference.

A Sense of Fulfillment and Community Connection

For many participants, the event was more than just a volunteer shift. Being in the warehouse offered a sense of purpose and an opportunity to engage with others in meaningful ways. One attendee shared that the event combined productivity and personal fulfillment, saying, “We worked hard, but it didn’t feel like work. It felt like we were contributing to something bigger.”

Volunteers highlighted the unique blend of teamwork and networking that came from the event:

Sorting and packing together fostered camaraderie among participants.

The structured activity allowed individuals to meet new peers in a hands-on, collaborative setting.

Contributing to the community gave everyone a shared sense of accomplishment.

A Measurable Impact: 10,000 Pounds of Food Processed

The Food Bank of the Rockies has hosted about five such events, each one involving corporate or organizational groups. These groups have collectively managed to move tens of thousands of pounds of food to support those facing food insecurity in Colorado. The impact of this initiative is clear:

Event Count

Organizations Involved

Food Moved (in lbs)

5

Multiple corporations

Up to 10,000 per event

The numbers underscore the power of collective effort in addressing community needs.

Cheers to Giving Back

The event concluded with a thoughtful gesture from the Food Bank of the Rockies: a wine happy hour to thank the Women in Business volunteers for their time and dedication. The informal gathering allowed attendees to unwind, reflect on their contributions, and strengthen the bonds formed during the event.

VanGundy emphasized the importance of showing gratitude, saying, “It’s not just about the work done; it’s about acknowledging the people who made it happen.” The volunteers’ smiles and laughter over glasses of wine were a testament to the success of the initiative.