Chapter 16 - THE VANCE FOUNDATION
As winter approached, Julian and Marcus brought a massive, highly ambitious proposal to the dining table during a quiet Sunday evening supper.
“We want to scale what you do on Sundays into something permanent, Shiomara,” Julian announced, sliding a thick architectural and financial blueprint across the mahogany table.
Shiomara adjusted her glasses and looked down at the documents. The header read: THE REYES-VANCE COMMUNITY CULINARY INITIATIVE.
“What is this?” she asked softly.
“It’s a nationwide network of community kitchens and job training centers,” Marcus explained, his eyes shining with entrepreneurial zeal backed by deep-rooted compassion. “We’re committing fifty million dollars from Vance Global Logistics to fund it. We want to build safe, dignified spaces where individuals transitioning out of homelessness can learn professional culinary arts, secure housing assistance, and receive hot, nutritious meals with absolute dignity.”
Eleanor leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands. “And we want you to serve as the chairperson of the board, Shiomara. Your philosophy, your standards, and your heart will guide every single center we open across the country.”
May you like
Shiomara looked between the three siblings, her throat tightening with overwhelming emotion. The people who had once been freezing children under a bridge were now using their colossal empire to lift thousands of others out of the exact same darkness.
“I would be honored,” Shiomara whispered, a proud tear slipping down her cheek. “More honored than you could ever know.”
