Serving with Students

We had the amazing opportunity to partner with Traeger, the Children’s Center and Rico’s Foods in Salt Lake City to host students from our local High School.   The original plan was for the Youth that serve in Student Government to have a day of learning and service.  Several of the Youth did not attend, so we filled the remaining slots with students from the Middle School and High School.

Our day started out at Traeger where Chef Curtis prepared a meal that the Youth have talked about for days.  We enjoyed Tri-Tip, Roasted Potatoes and a Smoked Spinach Salad.  Chef Curtis also spoke with us about his path into cooking that ultimately led him to Traeger.

After lunch we were able to spend some time with Jeremy Andrus, Traeger’s CEO.  Jeremy talked to us about the importance of building a good team, learning from every experience and how hard work pays off. Jeremy was the Student Body President his senior year of high school.  He shared with the Youth how he had to run a strong campaign because he wasn’t well known.  His hard work and attention to detail was what helped him win the race.

After Traeger, we went to the Children’s Center.  A couple of our students have had family members who have benefited from the services that the Children’s Center offers.   They are focused on assisting pre-school age children with developmental and behavioral challenges.  The Youth cleaned all of the toys that the children play with as part of the classes.  It was a great opportunity to serve.

Our final stop for the day was at Rico’s Foods.  Jorge, the owner, sponsors the Burrito Project in Salt Lake.  Four nights a week, 20 volunteers show up and roll burritos and then another 20 volunteers deliver them to homeless individuals in town.  Our Youth had the opportunity to roll and deliver.  It was an eye opening experience for the Youth to see how fortunate they are.  They also had the opportunity to visit with Jorge.  He shared his experience of coming to America in the 80’s and being homeless for a time.  He then started 

selling refried beans in farmers markets and continually grew his business.  He told the Youth to make sure they Pay it Forward and recognize how blessed they are.

We are so grateful to Traeger, the Children’s Center and Rico’s for hosting us on such a wonderful day.  It is wonderful to be able to work with great Youth.