Envolve purchases lunch for Carpenter Place residents from locally-owned Maíz
YPSILANTI, MI — Individuals and local businesses alike have suffered greatly due to the effects of COVID-19, and the owners of Carpenter Place Apartments decided to do what they could to help.
Envolve LLC wanted to support its communities during these uncertain times. The company decided to purchase lunches for all residents of Carpenter Place on 5/20—but instead of patronizing a chain restaurant, they chose locally-owned Maíz Mexican Cantina.
“We have the best residents at our Envolve properties, so we are honored to be able to treat them to lunch,” said Mark McBrayer, SVP, Asset Management at Envolve Communities. “This Resident Lunch Program is also our way of supporting small businesses. Financially, restaurants were hit particularly hard by pandemic-related capacity limits and restrictions.”
Carpenter Place residents lined up outside of the property’s main entrance to pick up their meals. Their choices included a beef, chicken, or vegetable burrito with rice, beans, chips, and dessert. Envolve also donated more than 150 fabric face masks to be distributed at the event.
“So many residents have been stopping by the office to compliment the food and let us know what a nice treat it was to eat lunch outside,” said Diana Bennett, Community Manager of Carpenter Place. “It really means a lot to them to get together and be around other residents, especially after the difficulties of the past year.”
Mr. and Mrs. Song, two Carpenter Place residents, echoed the sentiment. “Thank you! We loved not having to cook today!” Another resident, Ms. Betty H., said, “I wanted you to know that this is my first burrito at age 84!”; while 94-year-old resident, Ms. Dorothy G., commented on how much she loved the bucket toss game the group played after they finished eating.
Michele Cortes, Regional Manager for Envolve Communities, said the event had a fantastic turnout.
“The team wore purple Envolve t-shirts that read, ‘We rise by lifting others’—which really was the theme of the luncheon,” Michele continued. “This is what community is all about, and it was a perfect day to Get Envolved.”