Azul Latin Kitchen raises $11,000 for Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Even during a pandemic, Azul Latin Kitchen in South Lake Tahoe was able to continue its annual fundraising efforts for local nonprofits. In 2020, the popular restaurant in the Heavenly Village raised $11,000 for Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care.

Typically Azul hosts a fall fundraising party at the restaurant in December but with COVID 19 the annual event was canceled. The donation was largely in part to donations made from patrons who dined at the restaurant, and a partnership with Tahoe Blue Vodka.

“Azul Latin Kitchen is proud to support our community through frequent fundraising events,” said Ray Villaman, owner and CEO of Tahoe Restaurant Group. “This year was especially meaningful for us to make a contribution to a local non-profit. Our community has endured so much in 2020 and we couldn’t be happier to have had the success we did considering all of the challenges presented to us. It is because of Azul’s management, employees, LTWC volunteers, our partner companies and many individuals who supported that we were able to make the contribution,” he added. “I am particularly proud of our GM, Lauren Lappin, for orchestrating this year’s fundraising efforts.”

According to Villaman, the $11,000 sum is the second most successful fundraising effort for Azul since it was established in 2014. General Manager Lauren Lappin commented, “When a team comes together and believes in a cause, anything is possible. It was our front line workers that spread the good word about Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care Center. They stepped up during one of the most challenging years, and to say I am proud is an understatement."

“Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care was honored to be selected as the non-profit partner of Azul Latin Kitchen in 2020. Our mission to Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release orphaned and injured wildlife is dependent on the kindness and generosity of the community," said LTWC Board Member Coralin Glerum. "To this end, Azul Latin Kitchen has been a wonderful partner, especially in a tough year. We truly appreciate this relationship and look forward to future collaborative efforts and events.”

“Tahoe Blue Vodka is proud to partner with Azul Latin Kitchen to raise funds to support the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care Center,” said Matt Levitt, founder and owner of Tahoe Blue Vodka. “As California’s vodka, we are excited to amplify efforts that protect the stunning Lake Tahoe area along with the rescue and care for its natural inhabitants. Our commitment to giving back to the region is a key part of our brand promise and what sets Tahoe Blue above all the rest.”

For more information or to make a donation to help Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care realize its goals, go to https://ltwc.org/.

Tahoe Restaurant Group includes four restaurants located on both the north and south shores of Lake Tahoe. Azul Latin Kitchen and Base Camp Pizza are located in the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe, Rubicon Pizza is in the Village at Northstar, and Fireside Pizza in Squaw Valley. For more information on Tahoe Restaurant Group’s establishments:

Azul Latin Kitchen: https://azullatinkitchen.com/
Basecamp Pizza Co: https://basecamppizzaco.com/
Fireside Pizza Co: https://firesidepizza.com/
Rubicon Pizza Co: https://www.rubiconpizzaco.com/