Whole Foods Grocery opening features events, fundraisers

The opening day for Whole Foods Market Champions, 10133 Louetta Road, is set for June 25, and the celebration of the new store will last through the weekend.

Jeanette Webster, Houston media and community relations coordinator, said that showing a commitment to the community is a top priority for the store, at the corner of Cutten and Louetta roads.

The preview party for Whole Foods Market Champions will benefit Northwest Assistance Ministries.

From 3-6 p.m. June 21, a portion of the store will open to the public, and local vendors will provide samples of items that will be offered on the shelves.

A suggested donation of $5 will go to the nonprofit and the grocer also will do- nate a pallet of diapers to benefit NAM’s children’s programs.

The Champions store will also host a series of “community giving days” during opening week, where a percentage of that day’s sales is donated to a nonprofit.

By simply shopping at the store, guests will support a variety of local nonprofits.

On June 25, a percentage of proceeds will go to the Klein Independent School District Foundation and its Reading Express Bus, a mobile library that was funded to ensure that all Klein school district students have access to library materials throughout the summer.

On June 26, shopping at the Whole Foods will benefit the Bradley McWilliams YMCA at Cypress Creek.

On June 27, proceeds will go to Barbara Bush Li- brary Friends and June 28, donations will benefit the Cypress Creek Foundation for the Arts and Community Enrichment.

On June 29, a percentage of proceeds will go to SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Centers.

Webster said the Whole Foods will have a woodgrilled, Peruvian- style chicken venue and an on-site sushi station with made-to-order selections.

The store will also have a wood-fired pizza oven, where customers can buy by the slice or take home and bake a whole pie.

A made-to-order sandwich station will feature Whole Foods Market Bake House breads, and madein-store deli roasts.

The beer and wine bar at the Champions location will feature 16 cold brews on tap and a community-style wine sampling and chilling station.