The Children’s Guild Foundation Fantastic Foodies Kitchen

We are thrilled to announce a monumental milestone for the Fantastic Friends community! Thanks to a remarkably generous donation of $55,000 from The Children’s Guild Foundation, our new facility in Orchard Park is now home to a state-of-the-art culinary space: “The Children's Guild Foundation Fantastic Foodies” Kitchen.

This isn’t the first time The Children’s Guild Foundation has stepped up for our participants. Over the years, they have been a steadfast ally in our mission, providing critical support that has allowed us to grow from a small volunteer group into the thriving organization we are today. Their commitment to the Western New York special needs community is unparalleled, and their continued belief in our vision has made a life-changing impact on hundreds of local families.

For over a century, The Children’s Guild Foundation has been a cornerstone of advocacy and philanthropy in WNY. Their mission is simple yet profound: to improve the lives of children and young adults with special needs through grant funding in healthcare, research, education, and therapeutic recreation.

They don't just provide funds; they act as catalysts for change. Whether it’s supporting neonatal care, autism research, or adaptive sports, The Children's Guild Foundation focuses on filling the "opportunity gap", ensuring that individuals with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities have the tools they need to reach their highest potential. Partnering with Fantastic Friends of WNY was a natural fit, as both of our organizations believe in the power of "authentic inclusiveness" and the importance of providing spaces where everyone belongs.

The "Fantastic Foodies" kitchen is more than just a room with appliances; it is a hub for independence and connection. Every week, the kitchen hums with activity as we host:

• Weekly Baking & Kitchen Life Skills Programs: Designed for individuals of all abilities, including those with special needs, these sessions teach essential skills like measuring, mixing, and kitchen safety. These classes foster confidence and provide vocational foundations in a supportive environment.
• Cookie Decorating Classes for the Public: In the spirit of community, we also host "Kitchen on a Mission" classes! These public events—like our popular cookie decorating workshops—allow the general public to enjoy our beautiful space while supporting our mission. 100% of the profits from these classes go directly back into our programs.

The impact of this $55,000 gift will be felt for generations. It allows us to double our capacity and offer a higher level of culinary training than ever before. We invite you to stop by the new center, see the "Fantastic Foodies" kitchen in action, or sign up for an upcoming class!

To learn more about the incredible work of our partners, visit The Children’s Guild Foundation.

Together, we are cooking up a brighter, more inclusive future for Western New York.