Southwest Kitchen announces $25K dream kitchen give-away winner
Matthew Choate, a frontline nurse who works at Banner – University Medical Center South, will have his kitchen redesigned, complete with new appliances, thanks to a donation from Southwest Kitchen.
Although we’ve always supported local charities, seeing the impacts of COVID-19 on our community inspired us to do something more. We want to extend our gratitude by giving one of those heroes a new kitchen," said Mel Elkins owner of Southwest Kitchen.

Media are invited to attend a presentation for the dream kitchen give-away at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 23, at Southwest Kitchen, 7780 N. Oracle Road, suite 150, Tucson, AZ, 85704. 

TUCSON, Ariz. (November 19, 2020) – This year has made being thankful a little harder than most years but thanks to Tucson local business, Southwest Kitchen it is going to come easier for one lucky Banner – University Medicine employee.

Southwest Kitchen has selected the winner of its dream kitchen makeover, worth $25,000. The winner is Matthew Choate, a nurse who works in the frontline at Banner – University Medical Center South.

On Monday, November 23, Choate will be presented with the dream kitchen certificate and will learn details of the prize. The presentation will take place at 11 a.m. at Southwest Kitchen, 7780 N. Oracle Road, suite 150, Tucson, AZ 85704. 

Choate is a preceptor working to train new nurses and also volunteers to work in any unit where nurses are needed, including the COVID unit of the hospital.

While working in the COVID unit, Choate contracted the illness and upon recovery, he continued to work in the unit to care for patients diagnosed with the virus. He has been a nurse at Banner for four years and is pursuing a master’s degree in nursing. He was nominated for the dream kitchen by his best friend, Crystal Petty.

Southwest Kitchen owners, Mel and Bob Elkins, said their business has flourished during COVID-19 and they felt it was important to give back to the Tucson community.  Southwest Kitchen was joined by other Tucson local businesses who agreed to contribute to the dream kitchen makeover, including Conway Tile & Stone Specialists, Benjamin Supply, Arizona Wholesale, Showplace Cabinetry and Arizona Tile.

“Although we’ve always supported local charities, seeing the impacts of COVID-19 on our community inspired us to do something more. We want to extend our gratitude by giving one of those heroes a new kitchen! Together with our partners, we are pleased to be able to provide a new kitchen to Matt,” said Mel Elkins.

Banner – University Medicine employees were invited to submit a video entry and provide details on why they need a new kitchen.  Over 50 videos were submitted for the prize.

The dream kitchen includes layout, design, cabinetry, appliances, countertop and backsplash. The contest began on Oct. 12 and the kitchen remodel will begin January 2021.

“Health care members have given so much during this pandemic, we want them come home to rest and recharge and we want to provide a comfortable space where family and friends can gather. We are excited to help transition Matt’s home,” said Elkins. 

“We are honored that Southwest Kitchen chose to share their generosity and provide this wonderful, once in a lifetime opportunity for Banner – University Medicine health care team members. We are very excited for Matt and can’t wait to see his dream kitchen come to life,” said Sarah Frost, chief executive officer of Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South

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For further information: Rebecca Ruiz McGill; rebecca.ruizmcgill@bannerhealth.com; 520-360-0308 Kylie Smith; kylie@southwestkitchen.com

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