How can a family-owned restaurant be an anchor for the community?
La Cueva Restaurant in Aurora, Colorado is a landmark known throughout Aurora and metro Denver not only for its authentic, tasty Mexican dishes but also for its community presence. Established as a family business in 1974, La Cueva caters to a home-style atmosphere that makes its customers feel instantly welcome like “coming home for dinner.”
When Norma Martinez met Nabor Nuñez at a friend’s restaurant La Bonita in downtown Denver in 1956, she knew he would be a serious businessman. He had goals to have his own restaurant. When this young cook first saw Norma, he knew that she would be his wife. Norma with her big heart and sociable manner would be just the woman to help him succeed. Their mutual faith and persistence made their marriage and family thrive.
After several years of marriage and two children Molly and Alfonso, Norma and Nabor were able to purchase a small storefront space at 9742 E. Colfax Avenue to realize their dream. La Cueva became the first Mexican restaurant in east Colfax in Aurora at that time. The neighborhood was still majority white with long time residents. Nevertheless, the familiar menu gave way to delicious estilo Mexicano items. The Mexican menu gradually drew customers beyond the boundaries of old Aurora. By word of mouth, La Cueva has drawn people who are attracted to the pride of the Nuñez family and their efforts in the community. Aurora city officials and business owners along East Colfax know that the success of the restaurant has been an anchor to the revitalization efforts that energized old businesses and drew new business along with a variety of art and cultural amenities. Then in 1987 the Nuñez family expanded the restaurant and it’s vision to provide support for Aurora children in need through education.
Why was the Nuñez Foundation created?
The Nuñez Foundation originated with the same concept as the restaurant---start small to become big---not in size but in impact. The success of their small business enabled Norma and Nabor to send their children to college. When the oldest, Molly, received a scholarship to study design at the Colorado Institute of Art, Norma realized how beneficial scholarships could be for deserving students in Aurora schools. Also, as a frequent volunteer in Aurora Public Schools, she observed many students that seemed to react positively if they were simply recognized for their efforts in school. In her words, “I thought whenever I had the opportunity; I would do something to give back to our youth.” That’s when Nabor and Norma decided to start the foundation in 1995.
Earlier, Norma had written a book with her husband’s recipes with profits transferred to the new foundation. Next a brunch was organized to raise scholarship commitment and funds. When Norma received a community award offered by Channel 2, she told the audience that the work of raising scholarships funds was not hard except for the fact that there was such a great need. On hearing this, the president of Channel 2 donated $10,000 to give a boost to the foundation. Now the foundation has at least three times this amount to award deserving applicants annually to use for the college of their choice. Since its inception, 70 scholarships have been awarded with 25 receiving awards for up to four consecutive years through graduation.
When Nabor passed away in 2006, it was decided to expand the foundation goal to provide career awareness training through a motivational set of summer camp experiences in partnership with Johnson and Wales University. The program is offered on campus and features business and food service industry opportunities in addition to chef training.
Why do people want to be a part of the Nuñez story?
A key to the foundation’s effectiveness is the amount and quality of board member’s volunteer time devoted to it goals. In addition, scholarship recipients return to volunteer at the handful of annual fundraising events. The recipients show their commitment to the community mindedness that La Cueva represents.
The Nuñez Foundation continues to honor the unique generosity of Nabor and Norma. “We believe in a better future for the new generations of young people. There is nothing more wonderful than to prepare a young person to be a good citizen---the future of our country.”
Special thanks to citywide donors that give us the opportunity to exist. People who know the foundation want to be a part of it. You are invited to review the various activities of the foundation and join us as a donor and/or volunteer.