Ana Karina and Chris Suchánek, two local entrepreneurs with a shared vision for community service, founded Project Boon, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Inland Southern California. Nearing its 15th anniversary, Project Boon stands as a testament to their dedication to creating meaningful change in the communities they love.
Chris Suchánek, the founder and CEO of Firm Media, brings a wealth of experience from the world of marketing. His national agency is renowned for its award-winning website design, media development, and marketing services tailored to medical practices across the country. With sharp business acumen and a deep understanding of strategic communication, Chris has leveraged his professional skills to benefit Project Boon, ensuring the nonprofit’s message reaches and resonates with those who need it most.
Ana Karina, on the other hand, is the culinary genius behind The Hitch Burger Grill, a small but growing restaurant chain. Her entrepreneurial spirit and business savvy have not only fueled her success in the restaurant industry but have also provided the operational insights crucial to running a nonprofit. Ana’s ability to manage and scale a business from the ground up has been instrumental in Project Boon’s development and sustainability.
Together, Ana and Chris envisioned a way to give back to their community beyond their professional endeavors. This vision materialized as Project Boon, a nonprofit dedicated to organizing holiday-based events that offer much more than just a festive atmosphere. Project Boon’s events—whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, or Back to School—are comprehensive, thoughtfully planned occasions that provide essential services and supplies to under-resourced families.
Project Boon reimagines traditional holiday events. Imagine a Christmas where families not only meet Santa and receive toys but also take home enough groceries to feed a family of four for two weeks. Or picture Thanksgiving where, along with a holiday meal, guests receive haircuts, flu shots, and medical, dental, and vision exams. Each event partners strategically with 25 to 50 other organizations—nonprofits, county, and government agencies—creating a single point of access for a wide range of essential services.
A core value for the Project Boon team is dignity. They strive to create an experience that goes beyond the traditional and more impersonal soup kitchen model, offering a more vibrant and engaging atmosphere. Instead, their events feature kid zones, mobile stages, and sometimes live entertainment, transforming charity into a celebration. This attention to detail offers an opportunity for every guest to feel valued and respected.
What sets Project Boon apart is its remarkable efficiency and community involvement. Despite the scale of their impact—distributing an estimated 50,000 meals annually—the organization operates entirely with volunteers. There are no paid employees; every aspect of Project Boon is driven by the passion and dedication of its volunteer network. This model not only maximizes the resources available for direct community support but also fosters a deep sense of ownership and participation among volunteers.
Over the years, Project Boon has achieved extraordinary milestones. To date, the organization has distributed over 250,000 meals and accumulated over 7,000 volunteer hours. These numbers are more than statistics; they represent the tangible difference that Ana, Chris, and their army of volunteers have made in the lives of countless families.
Ana Karina and Chris Suchánek’s journey with Project Boon is an inspiring example of what can be accomplished when business acumen is combined with a heart for service. Their story is a compelling narrative of how two individuals, driven by a shared passion for giving back, can mobilize an entire community to support those in need. As Project Boon approaches its 15th anniversary, it stands as a beacon of hope and a model of effective, compassionate community service.
In a world often characterized by division and need, Project Boon exemplifies the power of unity and generosity. Ana and Chris’s relentless commitment to their cause proves that significant and lasting change is possible with vision, collaboration, and a lot of heart. Their journey continues to inspire, reminding us of the profound impact we can have when we come together to support one another.
Published By: Aize Perez
