Everyone knows just how much sincere “heart and passion” that Chef Emeril Lagasse consistently puts into the preparation of one of his original, gourmet meals. However, there is a soft side to the “Barron Of BAM” that most people don’t know about and that is his sincere and heartfelt care and concern for kids.
So, without making a big fuss about it or and attempting to draw a lot of attention to himself, Emeril quietly goes about his “good works” raising funds, opportunities and awareness for Educational Programs that his very own philanthropic organization, The
Emeril Lagasse Foundation supports for the sake of the kids who are our future!
So far, Emeril’s organization has successfully raised over $3.6 million dollars, specifically for “child education.” The Emeril Lagasse Foundation, established in 2002, supports non-profit organizations that provide educational programs, life skills development, culinary training and cultural enrichment, creating opportunities in the communities where Emeril’s restaurants operate.The foundation has helped major capital projects at Edible Schoolyard at Green Charter School, St. Michael Special School and Café Reconcile. It also supports after-school and summer programs throughout New Orleans. As of 2010, Emeril Lagasse Foundation has given $3.2 million to culinary, nutrition, garden, arts and life skills programs in New Orleans and Gulf Coast.Through innovative partnerships, programs and special events, along with support from corporate and individual donations, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation embraces a unique opportunity to enrich the lives of many young people through the creative art of cooking so that they may look towards a future of creativity, opportunity and hope.Chef Emeril personally contributes his time, passion, and resource to the Foundation, and is able to directly reach the hearts and minds of young people through participating in Foundation sponsored outreach programs, special projects and signature Foundation events.Based on the core values of the hospitality business – education, mentorship, passion, creativity, self-discipline, and pride – the Foundation will leave a legacy for future chefs to be inspired for years to come.rganization’s “Mission Statement” really says it all, “The Emeril Lagasse Foundation seeks to inspire, mentor and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive and creative individuals.
When you stop to think about it, the o
Along with fellow chef’s and cooperative business partners who gather annually in celebration of children’s education, a yearly gala and wine auction involving the Chef, along with other culinary connoisseurs such as Mario Batali, Wolfgang Puck, Eric Ripert and Thomas Keller and top-notch vintners such as Gemstone Vineyard, Schrader Cellars, Au Bon Climat and Pride Mountain Vineyards, nearly $10 million dollars have been raised for “Children’s education since the year 2005.
Also, this year, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Announced a goal of a $20,000 grant to be presented to the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts conservatory in Honor of Emeril’s 20th Anniversary this year.
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day!
Teach a kid to cook and you feed him and thousands upon thousands of others who are equally, greatly blessed by that education, throughout that student’s illustrious culinary career!
Sounds like “The Bamster” has his principals and priorities perfectly straight!
Signing off and Pigging out,
Rocco “Boss Hog” Loosbrock
