On February 5th 2025, something truly special happened. It wasn’t just about dinner plans or a place to grab a quick bite—it was about community, compassion, and change. The Little Lights Foundation teamed up with Chipotle for a one-night-only fundraiser, and thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we raised $327 to directly support our programs and mission. But more than the dollar amount, what we really gained that night was a renewed sense of the power of community—of what happens when people come together with purpose.
As the evening began and the sun started to set, our team gathered with excitement and anticipation. We had promoted the event through flyers, social media, texts, and so many shared conversations, but even we were blown away by the turnout. From the moment Chipotle opened their doors, a steady stream of supporters poured in—not just to grab food, but to make a difference. Friends, families, volunteers, coworkers, neighbors, and even strangers who became friends over burritos—everyone came out with one goal: to support Little Lights and the youth we serve.
The energy inside was electric. The line buzzed with chatter, kids smiled over their quesadillas, and conversations flowed as easily as the guac. It wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was a family reunion, a block party, a shared moment of joy and purpose. We saw so many familiar faces—longtime supporters who have walked with us for years—and we also had the pleasure of meeting new people who heard about our mission and decided to show up. Some came from across town. Others happened to be nearby and joined in once they learned what the night was about. Every single person mattered.
That $327 we raised? It’s more than just a number. It means new books for our literacy program. It means snacks and supplies for our after-school workshops. It means helping cover transportation costs so students can safely attend mentorship sessions. It means light—real, tangible light—being brought into the lives of the children and families we serve every single day. Every burrito, bowl, and bag of chips contributed to something much bigger than dinner.
We’re incredibly thankful to Chipotle for making this fundraiser possible. Their team was so accommodating and welcoming from start to finish. It’s not every day a popular national restaurant opens its doors to a local nonprofit and truly invests in our mission, but they did—and we are so grateful. The kindness of the staff, the seamless coordination, and the sense of partnership made this night even more meaningful. Chipotle, you didn’t just serve up great food—you helped serve our community in a real and lasting way.
To everyone who came out: thank you. Truly. Whether you brought your family, shared the event on social media, donated from afar, or just stopped by to say hi and grab a burrito, you made a difference. You helped fund our future. And you reminded us, once again, that we’re not alone in this work. We saw entire families show up together. We heard stories from parents who are teaching their kids about giving back. We were inspired by students who brought their friends. And we were humbled by all the people who simply wanted to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Little Lights is built on the idea that small actions can lead to big change. That by showing up, by lending our time, our voices, our dollars—even just our presence—we can light the way for those who need it most. That night at Chipotle proved that belief in full color. It was more than a fundraiser. It was a celebration of kindness, generosity, and shared purpose.
As we look ahead, we know this is just the beginning. We have more events on the horizon, more partnerships in the works, and more opportunities to shine together. If you missed this fundraiser, there will be more chances to get involved—whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. Because every act of support, no matter how small, keeps the lights burning bright.
With full hearts and full stomachs, we say thank you. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for lifting up our mission. And thank you for showing that when a community comes together—even over burritos—we can make beautiful things happen.
With endless gratitude,
—The Little Lights Foundation Team 💛
