Leading restaurant and food companies have committed more than $1 million to a new fundraising initiative for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's ProStart program. The initiative aims to raise more than $3 million this year for the two-year, culinary arts and restaurant management education program for high school students.
The donations will strengthen the program and help increase participation in the next five years. About 90,000 students are enrolled in ProStart.
Committments to date include $250,000 from Brinker International and The Coca-Cola Co., $150,000 from the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, $100,000 from Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, PepsiCo Foodservice Division and Sysco, 50,000 from Golden Corral, and $25,000 from the American Express Foundation and McCormick for Chefs. Yard House, Firehouse Subs and several industry leaders also have committed significant donations.
"ProStart's industry-driven program provides students with practical skills to succeed and opens doors for a fulfilling career," said NRAEF Vice Chairman Carlton Curtis, who is leading the fundraising initiative. Curtis is vice president, industry affairs, foodservice and hospitality, The Coca-Cola Co. "Investing in ProStart now is an investment in the future of our industry and the next generation of restaurant and foodservice leaders."
Doug Brooks, chairman, president and CEO, Brinker International, urged other industry leaders to support ProStart. "It is a proven, high-impact program that has changed the lives of countless students and the industry at large. No other program so effectively brings the restaurant industry and the classroom together to provide students and teachers with access to relevant, real-world educational opportunities."
ProStart gives students with an unparalleled opportunities to learn and become inspired and passionate about restaurant careers, said Cheryl Bachelder, CEO, AFC Enterprises, and president of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. "We are proud to support a program that delivers real-world education and life-changing experiences."
Other industry leaders involved in the fundraising effort include Ted Fowler, Golden Corral; Ted Balestreri, The Cannery Row Co.; Jim Hope, Sysco; and Michael Norris, Sodexo.
Find out how to support ProStart.
