A group of friends who used to meet up for bunco nights in West Jordan years ago has evolved into an organization dedicated to raising funds for charity and performing service projects. Mamma Bears Charity & Service is in the process of becoming an official charitable nonprofit. They are hosting their 15th Annual Ornament Exchange Luncheon, a charity fundraiser for Blessings in a Backpack, on Dec. 7 at All-Star Bowling & Entertainment in Draper.

The luncheon, which is a ticketed event open to the public, includes a brunch buffet, a talk given by Heather Madsen representing the Utah chapter of Blessings in a Backpack, a Christmas tree ornament exchange and a silent auction. Attendees are invited to bring an ornament in the five dollar price range to exchange and nonperishable food items to donate to Blessings in a Backpack. 

As Mamma Bears founder Terri Taylor explained, the holiday luncheon is the main fundraising project for the group which is largely made up of women in their 50s and 60s. “We’ve all raised our families and we’re at a point in our lives where we want to give back to the community,” she said. “We want to do something new each year.”

Mamma Bears board member Joni Jensen, who lives in Sandy, said, “It warms out hearts to do just a little something to help. We want to see what we can do to make an impact in the community.”

Each year, the board members vote on a different local charity to support. In recent years, the Mamma Bears have raised funds for Utah Foster Care, People Helping People, Ronald McDonald House Charities and The Road Home. Going beyond just writing a check, the Mamma Bears have collected food and supplies and mentored individuals in need.

Taylor mentioned the year that the Mamma Bears supported People Helping People, a nonprofit that fights poverty by helping underprivileged women to enter the workforce. “Members of our group mentored women to help them write resumés and get back into the work place,” she explained. 

Jensen added that one member was inspired to become a mentor with People Helping People and now volunteers there on a weekly basis. “We’re spreading awareness about needs in the community,” she said.

This year’s luncheon will benefit the Utah chapter of Blessings in a Backpack. The national organization provides weekend food assistance to elementary school-aged children who receive free breakfasts and lunches at school on weekdays. Jensen explained that they are seeking donations of lightweight foods that children can easily carry home with them such as granola bars, fruit and applesauce cups, individual-sized boxes of cereal, mac and cheese cups and juice boxes. 

“We’ve received some really positive feedback from our charities,” Taylor said. The Mamma Bears partner with other organizations and businesses to match the funds raised at the luncheon. The group raises thousands of dollars each year.

Jensen, who has been actively involved with the Mamma Bears for eight years, said, “It’s been so neat to watch it grow and evolve, so great to get the ladies together for a good cause. We just want to give back.”

“Last year was our biggest event,” Taylor said. “We had 78 ladies attend the luncheon.” 

The silent auction is a big part of the festivities. Some of the local businesses and arts organizations who have donated items for this year’s auction include Hale Centre Theater, Morgan Jewelers, the Natural History Museum of Utah, Tin Roof Grill, Beauty Spas and more. 

The Mamma Bears are hoping to fill 100 seats for this year’s Ornament Exchange Luncheon which begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7 at All-Star Bowling & Entertainment, 12101 State St. in Draper. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased on the Mamma Bears website at www.mammabearscharity.com/home.