Breaking Bread - 2018

(Dec. 2018) - We are so excited to introduce our 10th cohort of aspiringIn November, we gathered together for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City’s 3rd annual Breaking Bread. We enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and desserts prepared by Spice Kitchen Incubator entrepreneurs. We sat at the family table, built new friendships, and worked to overcome cultural and language barriers to ensure everyone felt welcome. Thank you for joining us at Breaking Bread to celebrate in the spirit of Thanksgiving.

At Breaking Bread this year, we welcomed nearly 225 guests, including 60 refugees and New Americans who shared a meal with their new neighbors. With the support of old friends and new, we collectively raised over $35,000 to support the vital programming and services offered by the IRC in Salt Lake City to newly arrived refugee families.

Guests at Breaking Bread wrote notes in response to the question, "How will you commit to helping our community grow together?"

A full, family-style spread was provided by the Blended Table with a scrumptious Japanese pumpkin spice custard made by Chef Naomi of Prin-Ya Custard, a Spice Kitchen Incubator entrepreneur.

Each guest left Breaking Bread with a small gift of appreciation from the IRC in Salt Lake City.

Throughout the evening, we enjoyed tasty sambusas prepared by Chef Hayat of Hayat’s Grill, a mouth-watering Japanese pumpkin custard baked by Chef Naomi of Prin-Ya Custards, and a hot cup of coffee donated by Blue Copper Coffee. During the program, we enjoyed a Q&A between longtime IRC volunteer, Claire Adams, and New American entrepreneur, Aung Thang, of Golden Land Auto Repair. We also gathered to honor IRC volunteers, community partners and supporters of our work through the Rescue Partner Awards.

Longtime volunteer and friend of the IRC, Claire Adams, acted as master of ceremonies relating personal stories, facilitating a Q&A with new American entrepreneur Aung Thang, and presenting our Rescue Partner awards.

Claire Adams welcomed Aung Thang to engage in a Q&A discussing Aung's life since arriving as a refugee from Myanmar. Aung is the owner of Golden Land Auto Repair.

Patrick Poulin, acting regional director of the IRC Pacific/West, presented four Rescue Partner awards. The first went to Cindy Newell, a dedicated volunteer who has served in a variety of positions.

The second Rescue Partner Award was given to Eric Goldman, a volunteer who has supported the ESL programming since its inception and continues to offer great insight as a volunteer.

The third award was presented to Yda Smith and the U of U Occupational Therapy program for their continued work to help refugees positively integrate into their new community.

The fourth Rescue Partner Award went to eBay in Draper, a community supporter who has encouraged their staff to make #RefugeesWelcome and provided much-needed resources to refugee families.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Breaking Bread would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We would like to send a heartfelt thanks to our sponsors who continue to ensure our work continues: Wasatch Advisors, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Susan Poulin of Summit Sotheby’s, LDS Charities, Young Living Essential Oils, Celtic Bank, First Utah Bank, Health Plans University of Utah, Wells Fargo and Snap Shop Photo.

IRC Breaking Bread 2018 Sponsors: Wasatch Advisors, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Susan Poulin of Summit Sotheby’s, LDS Charities, Young Living Essential Oils, Celtic Bank, First Utah Bank, Health Plans University of Utah, Wells Fargo and Snap Shop Photo.

IRC Event, Spice Kitchen EventWWD Matthew WallaceDecember 5, 2018The Garden Place @ This is the Place Heritage Park