On the evening of August 21, the warm wooden beams of St. Columba’s Church in Inverness, CA, held space for something extraordinary: a gathering of hearts and minds from West Marin and beyond, united by a shared belief in the power of community-led change. As part of the Beacon of Light Series, Thrive hosted an intimate presentation highlighting its work in providing daily hot meals to schoolchildren—lovingly prepared by mothers.
With around 30 guests in attendance, the evening unfolded as a tapestry of stories, impact, and connection.
A Global Community of Doers
Priscilla, Thrive’s Co-founder and Executive Director, opened the night with a heartfelt presentation on how and why Thrive began. She spoke of the “secret sauce” that fuels the organization’s success: a blend of local leadership and international support, working hand in hand to nourish children and empower families.
Her stories painted a vivid picture of resilience—like that of a 13-year-old girl whose family, facing economic hardship, was preparing for her early marriage. Thanks to Thrive’s support during the pandemic, the family stayed afloat, and the young girl now aspires to become a nurse.
The Power of $10
John Phelan, Thrive’s Board Secretary and a longtime Inverness resident, brought the message home with a simple but powerful truth: just $10 a month can make a direct and meaningful difference. His words reminded guests that small, consistent giving can have a ripple effect in life-changing ways. The evening also introduced Thrive’s growth plan—Thrive Thousands—a model that leverages shelf-stable ingredients and compensates mothers for cooking meals. It’s a strategy rooted in sustainability, dignity, and scale.
Voices from the Philippines
Zooming in live from the Philippines, Eli Pajarito, Thrive’s Operations Manager, surprised guests with a special moment: a live conversation with three community members—a mom cook, a student, and a PTA president. Nancy, a single mother of three, shared how being paid to cook has transformed her family’s life. Guests asked about favorite meals, the joy of cooking, and the impact of a steady paycheck. The exchange was warm, real, and deeply moving.
A Taste of Connection
The evening closed with wine, cheese, and shingaras—a savory nod to the flavors of Thrive’s work and the communities it serves. Laughter and conversation lingered as guests reflected on the stories they’d heard and the lives they’d touched.
This Beacon of Light gathering was a celebration of shared purpose. From Inverness to the Philippines, Thrive continues to illuminate the path forward, one meal, one mother, one child at a time.
