RSVP HERE July 15, 2021: "Hello Friends and Neighbors, 

It's been a while since I last saw all your beautiful faces - and oh how I've missed you. Although you've heard a little less from me over the last few years, I have continued to support my community in the Bay Area and Ethiopia. Here in the Bay Area, I've continued to advocate for victims of Domestic Violence, and in Ethiopia, thanks to your donations, I was able to complete a dormitory that now houses 80 girls, allowing them to attend school safely.

With your help, Menbe's Way has been able to do some incredible things, and I'm just getting started. But first I need your help. When my restaurant, Salute, was open, it served as the biggest revenue generator for the foundation. Now that it is closed, the foundation relies almost solely on your generous donations.

If you would like to continue supporting Menbe's Way, please consider making a donation or attending one of our fundraising dinners.  

Menbe says, "As with everything that I do, it's all possible because of your generous support. If you can, please make a tax-deductible donation."

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To “Menbe,” former owner of Saluté e Vita Ristorante, and Richmond Community Foundation Board member, giving back to her community is an essential part of who she is. This inspiring business leader was honored with the prestigious Jefferson Award for her outstanding achievements in public service.

Menbe knows firsthand that a helping hand can make a dramatic difference in a person’s life. Although she’s now a successful business woman, Menbe suffered unspeakable hardships in the past and in fact, was once homeless herself.


Each year, Menbe invites hundreds of struggling veterans and others in need to her elegant restaurant for a free fine-dining meal. They are seated at tables set with china and crystal on white tablecloths, and served a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with dignity and love.


Throughout the year Menbe hosts many charity events in addition to her Thanksgiving Dinner, including almost a dozen etiquette classes and paying the tuition for 6 children at Northern Lights School in Oakland.

This year, Menbe went above and beyond for mothers in need. On May 12, Salute e Vita Ristorante hosted 75 single, low-income Richmond mothers for brunch after receiving spa trelocal from local salon Beauty by Nature. Menbe continued the celebration on May 13 by creating a 4-course luncheon at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland for 150 mothers who are spending time with their children in the hospital during Mother's Day weekend. It was an elegant affair featuring the finest tableware and and special gifts for devoted mothers.

All money donated here goes directly to Menbe's Way Fund, a donor-advised fund managed by the Richmond Community Foundation , a non-profit dedicated to building healthy, sustainable communities, and will support Menbe's generous gifts to the community!

Help spread the word!