The Chandler Chamber of Commerce celebrated its Foundation’s Leadership Institute Class 41 legacy project coming to fruition with a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday, October 9, at Matthew’s Crossing by helping local nonprofit Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank.

Class 41 raised nearly $10,000 to provide the food bank with new technology, additional storage and tools, and make infrastructure improvements like new drywall and on-ramps for the space. In addition, the Class volunteered over 500 hours to implement these new systems and make building repairs.

“I am thrilled to see Class 41 come together to help a Chandler nonprofit better serve our community,” said the Chandler Chamber’s President and CEO Terri Kimble. “This is a great example of the spirit of Chandler - coming together to help our community in need.”

The Chandler Chamber Community Foundation selects 20-30 business and community leaders to participate in its Leadership Institute each year to give future community leaders the opportunity to learn about issues facing Chandler and develop personal and professional skills. As a part of the program, members must select a legacy project with a local nonprofit to make a lasting impact on the community.

This year, Class 41 selected Matthew’s Crossing, as they saw a need for operational and infrastructure improvements that the class felt they could find a solution for. The solution included moving physical forms to a digital software, training staff and volunteers on the new software, installing new shelving units, rebuilding an onramp for food deliveries, repairing drywall and gathering donations.

 “It has been remarkable seeing the time and effort the Leadership Institute Class 41 put into making critical infrastructure and technology upgrades,” said Mike Dippre, Executive Director of Matthew’s Crossing. “Due to our limited space, every additional square inch of storage is impactful. At Matthew’s Crossing, our mission is to provide food to our neighbors in need, and with the help of this project from Class 41, we will be able to do this in a more effective and efficient manner.” 

For more information about the Chandler Chamber Community Foundation and the Leadership Institute, visit https://www.chandlerchamber.com/chandler-chamber-community-foundation/.