By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
At a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday delayed by the pandemic, Viewpond Banquet Hall disclosed donating a portion of its profits to two popular charities.
Viewpond Manager Elisa Rodriguez said the company would donate to Make-A-Wish Foundation and Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry at the event sponsored by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce.
“They are in need and we’re all about community so that’s who we chose to help and support,” said Rodriguez, who’s company is located at 1665 Viewpond Dr. SE, Kentwood.
Kentwood Little Free Pantry
Kentwood City Commissioner Clarkston Morgan said the Little Free Pantry is a passion of his.
“We have a lot of transitional families that rely upon that pantry for food, and there’s no questions asked,” Morgan said. “They can come in and get what they need and go home and feed their families right away.
“Viewpond cared about being able to help families. I’m tying in opportunities for local businesses to be able to join our city and support our efforts to feed our families.”
The Little Free Pantry began as a community service project for MLK Day in 2017. Located inside the Kentwood Activities Center at 355 48th St. SE, it helps a number of Kentwood families in need.
Donations can be dropped off at the Kentwood Activities Center during normal business hours and also are accepted at collection bins located at:
- Kentwood City Hall (4900 Breton SE)
- Kentwood Public Works (5068 Breton SE)
- Kentwood Justice Center (4740 Walma SE)
- Kent District Library – Richard L. Root/Kentwood Branch
Soft opening during pandemic
Viewpond co-owner Amit Verma said his company had a soft opening about 11 months ago.
“Last year, we missed the grand opening because of the pandemic,” said Verma, who’s partner is Ajay Chhabra. “It’s been a year, and we are doing good, so we decided to do it now.”
Viewpond handles everything from corporate meetings and seminars to weddings.
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley was at the ribbon cutting as well, and talked about the business environment coming out of the pandemic.
Mayor Kepley said he thinks business is getting more back to normal after the pandemic, specifically this type of business.
“The owners of venues are telling me that they’re really doing well now, and are booked through 2022 and also getting booked through 2023,” Kepley said. “People are now getting back to getting married with large crowds of 200, 300 people and trying to get back to what it used to be. That’s good to see.”
