In a heartfelt tribute to a legacy of kindness, the Sonnen family donated three brand-new catering trucks to Catholic Charities’ Samaritan House Catering team, a gesture that embodies their parents’ spirit of compassion.
Chuck and Mary Ann Sonnen, lifelong residents of Denver, have left an indelible mark on their community through acts of generosity that inspired their family to continue their mission.
Chuck and Mary Ann instilled in their children the principle of giving whenever possible. Their son, Steve Sonnen, reminisces about a particular Christmas from his childhood where his father went above and beyond for a boy in need. After noticing a child unable to afford an Atari video game console, Chuck went out of his way to buy the console and games, secretly delivering them to the boy’s family to ensure he had a memorable holiday.
“That was so Dad — seeing a need and meeting it, no questions asked,” Steve reflected.
Mary Ann poured her love into her remarkable baking, spending countless hours during the holiday season crafting ten varieties of cookies for family, friends, and neighbors even into her eighties.
“She never splurged on herself,” recalled Jenni Sonnen, Steve’s wife. “But she would spend all day in the kitchen to show us how much she cared. Even now, I have powdered sugar balls in my freezer — the taste of her compassion.”
These anecdotes underscore the values that defined Chuck and Mary Ann’s legacy: humility, generosity, and unwavering support for others.
Before they passed, the couple discussed the importance of their legacy with their four children: Chuck, Gregg, Jan, and Steve. They chose to pass down a commitment to giving rather than designating a charity in their will, entrusting their children to embody the same spirit of service.
Following the deaths of Chuck in early 2023 and Mary Ann in September 2024, Steve and his siblings gathered with their spouses and the couple’s grandchildren to decide how to honor their parents’ legacy.
“Mom was frugal — she believed every dollar could do more good elsewhere. Dad could never walk past someone in need. They made it clear: use the money for causes that reflect us and them,” Steve shared.
In their quest to find a cause that resonated with Chuck and Mary Ann’s values, Steve and Jenni browsed through various charity websites. Jenni identified Catholic Charities’ mobile program, Marisol Miles, which delivers essential items like diapers to families across Colorado through trucks adorned with vibrant murals. Soon after, they learned that Catholic Charities was in dire need of replacement vehicles for their aging catering trucks to better serve their shelters and outreach programs.
“It felt perfect,” Jenni noted. “A truck out there driving around Colorado, feeding people and delivering essentials in Chuck and Mary Ann’s memory — it was everything they stood for.”
The Sonnen family had a history of supporting various causes, but their decision to assist Catholic Charities was deeply rooted in the couple’s Catholic faith. Mary Ann dedicated decades of service to Christ the King Parish in Evergreen, and Chuck cherished family cohesion, organizing trips for his family to strengthen their bonds.
When Steve and his siblings inquired about projects that were often overlooked or underfunded, Catholic Charities highlighted their need for reliable catering vehicles to expand their food delivery capacity.
The cost to replace two large vans and a Suburban-style vehicle totaled $190,000, a sum the family collectively agreed to allocate from their inheritance.
Confidence in their parents’ values led the family to embrace this cause. “I know Mom and Dad would have been embarrassed by the attention,” Steve acknowledged. “But they would have been proud to see these trucks out there — quietly doing their work, helping those who need it most.”
What makes the Sonnen family’s gift particularly meaningful is the unity and collaboration displayed throughout the process. Gathered in memory of their parents, the siblings and their spouses bonded over shared stories and the values that had been instilled in them during family gatherings.
“I think it would have meant a lot to our parents that we did this together,” Steve recalled. “Pooling our resources, sharing stories and making a tangible difference felt like the perfect way to honor them.”
The consultation process for this donation became a healing journey for the family. They reminisced about Chuck and Mary Ann’s lives, sharing laughter and tears while reflecting on their parents’ legacy.
“It wasn’t about a vehicle; it was about continuing their spirit of kindness,” said Jenni.
Steve Sonnen encourages potential donors to seek out unmet needs.
“If you have the means — time, talent or treasure — find a cause that aligns with your values. Sometimes the most impactful gifts are the ones that solve projects languishing on the ‘back burner,’” he advised.
Jenni emphasized that no one needs to be wealthy to make an impact.
“You don’t need to be wealthy or famous to make a difference. A batch of cookies, a few blankets in your car, or volunteer hours can change someone’s day. Small acts ripple outward,” she said.
Matt Thompson urged future donors to ensure transparency in their contributions.
“When you donate, find ways to see where the money goes. These trucks let us watch the journey — from parking at a shelter to serving a hot meal. That connection inspires us to keep giving,” he stated.
Now, the three new vehicles — two vans and a Suburban-style catering truck — are active across the Front Range, delivering hot meals to participants of the Samaritan House and other community outreach initiatives. They serve not only as transporters of food but as symbols of hope, compassion, and the enduring legacy of the Sonnen family.
“Grandpa and Grandma came from humble beginnings. They knew what it was like to scrape by. Now, these trucks — painted with bold colors and their names — drive around providing meals to people who might otherwise go hungry. That’s the impact they wanted,” Matt observed.
Steve added,
“Seeing these trucks out there reminds me that giving back isn’t a one-time event. It’s a lifestyle. My parents lived that every day; now their legacy moves on wheels.”
Through the act of giving, the Sonnen family has not only honored their parents’ lives but also strengthened their family bonds, ensuring that the commitment to compassion continues to ripple through their community.
These trucks now represent a shared purpose, demonstrating how unified efforts can create meaningful change.
As they navigate Denver’s streets, these vehicles carry the mission of uplifting the most vulnerable in society, exemplifying that the greatest gift one can give is the compassion to help those in need.
image source from：denvercatholic
