Thanks to grant funding from the Rotary District 5770, the Cross Timbers Rotary Club was able to purchase kitchen supplies, cookware, and small appliances to outfit the kitchen.

Demonstrating their commitment to the project, several members of the Norman Cross Timbers Rotary Club recently participated in their first volunteer day at Zena’s Kitchen on March 1, 2025. Volunteers worked diligently to remove grout haze from the newly installed tile floor, contributing directly to the kitchen's progress. We are excited to participate in additional volunteer days in the upcoming months as construction wraps up on the facility.
"We are thrilled to see our members actively engaged in bringing Zena's Kitchen to life," said Sara Kaplan, member of Cross Timbers Rotary. "This volunteer effort, coupled with the vital grant funding, is a testament to our dedication to serving the youth of Norman and perfect way to honor Zena."
More about Zena’s Kitchen
Zena’s Kitchen is a project of Assignment Hope, a non-profit organization founded by the late Amer. Zena's Kitchen will be located within the new Boys & Girls Club facility for middle and high school students at Reaves Park. Zena's Kitchen will provide daily meals, cooking classes, academic support, and social-emotional learning, fostering a safe and enriching environment for vulnerable youth. This after-school haven will serve approximately 40 enrolled students daily, with outreach programs extending to 200 youth annually. The Boys and Girls Club of Norman is a program of the Center for Children and Families.