Restaurateur Chris Douglass receives his "Salt of the Earth" award from Future Chefs student alum, Erik Powers as Future Chefs alum Gaitskill Cleghorn, right, looks on approvingly. (Photo by Patrick Noe)
 

Future Chefs, an organization established in the fall of 2007, is the result of founder Toni Elka's passion for education, mentorship and cooking after working in youth development for more than 15 years.

With support from The Paul and Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation, Future Chefs was born. The program provides valuable apprenticeship and scholarship opportunities for motivated students pursuing culinary careers, while also offering much-needed mentorship, career exploration assistance and counseling.

"Students in the Future Chefs program work in both of our kitchens," says Chris Douglass, chef/owner of the notable Boston restaurants, Icarus and Ashmont Grill. "These are bright young kids who are grateful for the experience and eager to learn. Guided by Toni's support and encouragement, these young chefs will get their foot in the door and increase their chances for successful careers in the food industry."

In early May the program's annual series of cooking competitions culminated in a demanding final round held at Boston University's culinary lab. After months of preparation, each student completed tasting and presentation plates of two recipes from memory under the eyes of celebrity judges and college educators.

Future Chefs honored the student competitors and celebrated this first milestone in their culinary careers at the "Annual Awards Dinner" held on May 28 at Hibernian Hall. Elka gave out culinary school scholarships (for a total value of $134,000) to 16 graduating seniors from schools in the Greater Boston area.

Celebrity judges for the "Final Cooking Competition" included: Tom Berry, from Temple Bar; Kevin Crawley, from Coriander Bistro; Chris Douglass, from Icarus and Ashmont Grill; Alison Hearn, from Myers + Chang; Jamie Mammano, from Mistral; and Rebecca Newell, from Beehive.

Douglass received a "Salt of the Earth" award in recognition of his support for Future Chefs. He judged its competitions, hired its youth, and provided guidance to refine its programming. Future Chefs student alum, Erik Powers, who is currently working at Ashmont Grill, presented Douglass with the award.

Students interested in the program and members of the foodservice community who would like more information, please contact Toni Elka at 781-899-8311.

American Red Cross Presents Awards

More than 400 guests enjoyed the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay's "Annual Clara Barton Humanitarian Awards Gala" held recently at the Westin Copley Place Boston, to honor individuals and corporations "who represent the true spirit of community collaboration."

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the award to "Boston Women Build in the Bayou," a group of 36 women who traveled to New Orleans and built "The Boston House," one of several new homes constructed for musicians and other families displaced by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

This coalition was co-chaired by Massachusetts First Lady Diane Patrick; Boston First Lady Angela Menino; Carol Fulp, VP of Community Relations, John Hancock Financial Services; and Ann Marie Wilkins, Wilkins Artistic Management Company.

More than $350,000 was raised for local Red Cross programs and services.

"Presidents at Pops" Raise More than $1 Million

Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart led "America's Orchestra" in the 27th annual "Presidents at Pops" concert on Wednesday, June 4, in Symphony Hall. This special one-night-only gala fundraiser concert featured a tribute to Leroy Anderson and the game of baseball and a special appearance by "Broadway's Leading Man," Brian Stokes Mitchell.

"Presidents at Pops" chairman and Citizens Bank President Robert E. Smyth and his committee raised more than $1 million for the Boston Symphony Orchestra and its youth and community outreach efforts.

Boston Landmarks Orchestra's Opening Night to Feature Governor Patrick

Performances by the Boston Landmarks Orchestra are always free to the public. The 2008 Opening Night takes place on Wednesday, July 9 at the Hatch Shell on Storrow Drive, Boston and will feature Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick narrating.

For complete schedules and programs for the season's 10 free concerts, as well as venues and more information, visit www.landmarksorchestra.org or call 617-520-2200.

Enjoy!

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