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Albuquerque, N.M. (July 19, 2010) – Yashoda Naidoo, owner of Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Café and a client of ACCION New Mexico ∙ Arizona ∙ Colorado (ACCION), is generously contributing $15,000 toward completion of ACCION’s new regional headquarters in Albuquerque. In recognition of this gift, ACCION will name the break room in the new building after Naidoo’s Annapurna World Vegetarian Café.

“ACCION believed in me when no one else did,” said Naidoo. “There is such a need for ACCION’s services as we rely on small businesses to support our economy. ACCION supported me when I needed help with my first restaurant, and I want to help ACCION continue to do the same for entrepreneurs across the region.”

 

In 2002, Naidoo arrived at ACCION with a mission statement written on a napkin and a deep passion for Ayurvedic cooking. With some refinement to her business plan, ACCION provided Naidoo with a loan for $20,000 to help her open her first restaurant. Her restaurant did so well; Naidoo had to move to a larger location after only 18 months in business. Today, Naidoo owns and operates three restaurants in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, financing the growth from the success of her business.

 

“Yashoda is a testament to the power of the entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit in our region,” said Lynn Trojahn, vice president of advancement for ACCION. “We cherish Yashoda’s ongoing contributions as a mentor, and we are honored and grateful that she has chosen to extend her support of ACCION through this powerful gift.”