Anna Gomes

The Queen of In-Kind Giving and Community Engagement

By Laura Henkel

Creativity and community spirit are essential in nonprofit fundraising, and Anna Gomes has masterfully blended both through her culinary ventures. As the heart and soul behind Via Brasil Steakhouse, which recently celebrated its 17th anniversary, and Loaded Empanadas, which opened its physical location in Summerlin in 2024, she has not only satisfied discerning palates but also provided nonprofits with a unique and effective way to raise funds and awareness.

Gomes’ passion for community engagement shines in how she uses her restaurants to cater events supporting local causes. Through her generous donations of food and services—a practice she has perfected—she creates opportunities for organizations to host gatherings that bring people together over delicious meals. By sharing a meal, attendees aren’t just enjoying exceptional food; they’re contributing to the greater good, helping raise funds for vital causes while forging connections that strengthen the community.

What makes her approach so powerful is its simplicity: the act of breaking bread together. Sharing a meal is profoundly human, and Gomes has tapped into this universal experience to facilitate meaningful conversations about giving. Whether catering a fundraising dinner at Via Brasil Steakhouse or providing handcrafted empanadas for an event, she makes it possible for people to engage in philanthropy while indulging in some of the most mouthwatering delicacies in town.

Her efforts go beyond merely feeding the body—they nourish the soul, too. Gomes has created spaces that encourage people to come together, support nonprofits, and be part of something bigger than themselves. Her contributions have become a mechanism for unity, helping countless organizations raise much-needed funds while cultivating a shared purpose.

Through her unwavering commitment to community, Gomes proves that the power of a meal extends far beyond the table—it can be a catalyst for change.