Kara Meneses of Cranston lost her mother Kathleen Reddy to cancer in 2022. Since then, Mother’s Day hasn’t been one for celebration.

But, this year, that changed when she decided to go all in on a project to honor her mother’s legacy by giving back to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, a nonprofit hospice and palliative-care provider.

Through her small business, Charcuterie Kreations, which offers creative and customized charcuterie boards, she decided to donate one large platter to HopeHealth for every five sold.  As of deadline, her Mother’s Day Brunch Platter special had donated 10 large boards to HopeHealth, which can feed over 100 people.

“I just don't think enough people celebrate the work that they do and the

compassion that they bring forward to people,” Kara said. “I mean, it's not just about the people that are sick. They also care for the families as well.”

HopeHealth Hulitar stepped in and provided hospice care for her mom as well as Kara, along with her younger brother, during their time as caregivers. For Kara, her mother’s passing was a lonely experience. She said one of the constants in her life was HopeHealth.

After her mother passed, Kara said she wanted to try something new. She said she learned a lot after losing her mother and she just wanted to be excited to work and do what she loves.

She began Charcuterie Kreations a year after her mother passed, and in December 2024, it became her full-time job.

Naming it Charcuterie Kreations, Kara said the name of the business starts with a “K” because both her and her mother’s name start with “K.”

“What was really important to me was finding unique ways to have little, small touches of her to honor her throughout the business that not a lot of people know about,” Kara said.

Another way Kara says she honors her mother has to do with the charcuterie boards she creates.

Filled with items like croissants, fresh scones, artisanal cheeses, jams, eggs, carrots, fruits like grapes, oranges, strawberries and blueberries, the charcuterie boards are entirely customizable, which Kara says is an important element to her work.

When creating the boards, Kara says hidden within the folds of those scones, slices of meat and pieces of fruit, is always an item that her mother liked such as strawberries.

“It's just [that] by the time I'm done and finished and look back at what's been created, I always make sure I add a small touch of her,” Kara said. “Just because without her, I wouldn't have been starting this business.”

Kara said her mom would have been in awe that she started her own business. But also at the same time, not completely shocked.

“I know that she would have a Charcuterie Kreations t-shirt on delivering these platters with me” Kara said. “She was definitely like my other half. She was really up for anything compassionate towards people.”

To check out Charcuterie Kreations, visit charcuteriekreations.com.