Behind the Lavalava

12/21/2025

Although not everyone was able to join us at last night’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, we want to pause and say thank you to each of our volunteers. So much of what you do happens quietly behind the scenes, yet it’s the reason our events come together with intention and heart. We’re deeply grateful for the time, energy, and care you continue to give to our Foundation. Your presence and commitment truly matter, and your impact is felt more than you know. Thank you for standing alongside us and for all that you do.

We also want to acknowledge for being such a wonderful host. This veteran-owned restaurant in Salt Lake City serves delicious Nepalese and Indian dishes. Go check them out!

12/20/2025

Frank called and shared that he was planning to do the Christmas carol service again this year at the and asked if we could be part of it again. Of course, we were happy to join. We brought the Polynesian entertainment, and thank you to Malialole for answering the call for this community work. and the crew did a fantastic job as always. The man of many talents, , joined us and guided the program. I’m grateful to have met him and made a new friend in the process.

Everything came together beautifully. When I say that for some veterans this is their last Christmas, that is a true statement. After it wrapped up, I stood by the In Memory wall and realized that some of the veterans I recognized from last year did not make it to this Christmas. That moment put everything into perspective. This is the impact of the work we are doing, and we know the veterans appreciate it.

Thank you to Frank, Ninzel, the sponsors, and partners for putting this together, and to our friends at .coffee for providing the much needed hot cocoa and coffee drinks. The focus is and will always be the veterans. Looking forward to next year.

12/18/2025

We had an amazing time! Photos from the 2nd Annual Veteran-Owned Business Holiday Market are now available on our Facebook in the Holiday Market 2025 album. Huge thank you to Brother Valdez Photography for capturing the day.

12/17/2025

12/17/2025

You’ve probably seen him at our events. We can’t express enough gratitude to Dave Knight for volunteering and joining us at the beginning of this year, and then stepping up as our Foundation’s Vice President. He and his wife Sarah have been instrumental in supporting outreach, organizing the monthly dinner meetups, and helping with our big annual events.

Dave is a proud Marine veteran with a strong passion for supporting fellow veterans. We are fortunate to have both Dave and Sarah on our team, and we look forward to continuing to make an impact together in the community.

Photo credit:

12/16/2025

You are invited to join us this Friday, December 19 at 6:30 PM at the William E. Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home. Together we will celebrate the spirit of Christmas by singing carols for the veterans who live there.

For some of these veterans, this may be their last Christmas. Your presence and your voice can bring comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging at a time when it matters most. Please come and help us make this evening one filled with love, music, and lasting memories.

12/14/2025

On behalf of our Foundation and our partners, thank you to everyone who supported the holiday market today. Seeing more than 400 people show up for our veteran-owned businesses was incredibly humbling. Our goal was met and exceeded, and we are filled with nothing but gratitude. To every volunteer, vendor, and attendee who played a part in making this event successful, thank you. This work is, and will always be, for our veterans.

12/13/2025

Don’t miss this today! Join us for the 2nd Annual Veteran-Owned Business Holiday Market, Dec 13, from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Conference Center at Miller Campus in Sandy, Utah.

Shop 50 vendors, enjoy live performances, festive music, great food from , and hourly cash and raffle prizes. Admission is free, and the first 50 guests receive swag bags. Marine Toys for Tots collection boxes will be onsite for new, unwrapped toy donations.

Bring your friends and family and celebrate the season while supporting our veteran community. Hosted by with the Utah Veteran Business Resource Center and .

12/12/2025

We were featured on . Thank you . Check out the 2nd Annual Veteran-Owned Business Holiday Market this Saturday, Dec 13th, 11am to 4pm, at the Conference Center at Miller Campus in Sandy Utah. Support Veterans!

12/12/2025

We are so excited about the 2nd Annual Veteran-Owned Holiday Market that will be taking place THIS Saturday! Come join us, Behind the Lavalava Foundation, Cyprus Credit Union, and Salt Lake Community College as we host the event and we are grateful to Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs for their support and to Mr. Scott McKane from FOX 13 News for coming out to interview some of the vendors who will be there! There will be food, fun, connection, and value for everyone. Military-connected business owners (veterans, spouses, reserve, guard, and active duty all included) have been prepping for this day. Come find unique Christmas gifts and support local business owners at the same time!!

Cap'n Tippy -GrindHead Coffee- Salt Lake City
Stags Flags
Kaigor Soaps
Irreverent Warriors
Becky Guertler

12/11/2025

Big thank you to the program. I was surprised when FedEx showed up with a box for me. Inside was a toolbox packed with tools. When I signed up, I didn’t think I’d be considered since I figured I was low priority.

There are many nonprofits out there that take care of veterans, and this is one of them. The Resource Exchange Association (REA) has already sent thousands of toolboxes to qualified veterans, and I’m grateful to be one of them.

Veterans, definitely check them out and apply here: https://reainc.org/