Evergreen Strong
[ September 11th, 2025. Pictured above 50 sushi rolls that were donated to the Buchanan Park gathering hosted by Evergreen Chamber of Commerce ]
Standing Together With Evergreen
September 10th began as just another ordinary day. I was sitting by the window, having lunch, when I noticed what seemed like every law enforcement vehicle from every surrounding county racing past the intersection. Sirens, lights, urgency. A pit immediately formed in my stomach. I couldn’t explain why, but a sickening gut feeling washed over me. I texted my wife: “I have a really bad feeling about something, and I pray it’s not what I think it is…”
A few hours later, that feeling became a reality. The news hit me like a wave of ice water. My body was covered in goosebumps, my spine felt cold, and my stomach turned. Though I don’t yet have children of my own, I hope to one day. And this tragedy — this very nightmare — is the thing every future parent fears most.
Evergreen has always been more than just a town I work in. It’s my second home. I may have graduated from Lakewood High back in 2017, but Evergreen has given me so much of my adult life. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know families who walk through my restaurant doors week after week. I’ve watched kids grow up bite by bite, order by order, until suddenly they’re young adults walking in on their own. These aren’t just customers to me — they’re family. And when family hurts, you hurt too.
That night, I barely slept. My mind wouldn’t stop replaying what had happened. By morning, one thing was clear: I had to do something. Nothing makes me feel more helpless than standing by with my hands in my pockets while the community I love is in pain. So I decided that Sushi Win would donate a portion of our sales to help Evergreen heal. It wasn’t going to fix what was broken, but it was something — and sometimes even the smallest gestures can remind us we’re not alone.
From Thursday through Sunday (September 11th–14th), we set aside every roll, every plate, every order to be part of this effort. And something remarkable happened. On September 11th, the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce organized a last-minute gathering at Buchanan Park, giving neighbors a shoulder to lean on. I wasn’t sure if I’d even be allowed to help since I wasn’t a Chamber member yet, but I showed up anyway. At 5pm, just an hour before the event, I asked the director if I could donate sushi for those attending. Without hesitation, I was welcomed with open arms. The appreciation and warmth I felt in that moment reminded me exactly why Evergreen is so special.
The next day, September 12th, I wanted to keep that spirit going. I changed our happy hour in honor of Evergreen’s kids of all ages — offering 20% off California rolls when dining in. It was my way of giving the younger members of our community a little joy, a reminder that they are seen, valued, and loved.
This past week has reminded me of two things: first, how fragile life can be, and second, how powerful it is when a community comes together. Evergreen is strong because it’s made of people who care deeply for one another. And though the pain of this tragedy will not fade quickly, I believe the love, compassion, and unity we share will carry us through.
From the bottom of my heart — thank you to everyone who showed up, who donated, who comforted, and who reminded each other that Evergreen is more than a place. It’s a family.
With love and gratitude,
❤️ The Sushi Win Family