LRA Education Foundation receives $15,000 contribution from Emeril Lagasse Foundation

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is pleased to announce that the Emeril Lagasse Foundation has contributed $15,000 to enhance the 2018-2019 LRAEF School Support Fund.
 
After listening to the needs of ProStart® educators, the LRAEF School Support Fund was created to bridge the gap between traditional state funding and educator needs for successful ProStart program implementation. The LRAEF is able to gain insight into the individual needs of Louisiana ProStart schools through this annual funding program, and award decisions are tailored to the greatest areas of need for the schools that apply. These funds are often used to create more diverse, hands-on, learning opportunities within culinary labs by giving students greater access to new equipment and a more extensive selection of perishables. Students are also provided access to unique learning opportunities through field trips, as well as practicing for and attending the annual Louisiana ProStart Student Invitational.
 
ProStart is a two-year program for students in more than 1,800 high schools nationwide that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart’s industry-driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime. In Louisiana, the ProStart program reaches more than 1,800 students in 55 high schools.
 
“The Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s generous gift will allow us to continue to provide the tools for unique educational experiences for our ProStart students,” said LRAEF Chair Paul Rotner. “We are very fortunate to have such a committed partner in Chef Emeril and his foundation to promote the culinary and restaurant industries as a viable and successful career path.”
 
This contribution brings the total funds donated to the LRAEF by the Emeril Lagasse Foundation since 2015 to $45,000.
 
The next round of ProStart School Support Fund awards will be distributed to eligible schools that apply in January 2019. Since 2014, the LRAEF has awarded $224,000 in school support funding to Louisiana ProStart programs.
 
“As the Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s footprint continues to grow, we’re proud to invest those funds back into the New Orleans community,” said Brian Kish, president of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. “The Foundation’s ultimate goal is for the betterment of our youth, and the grants awarded to incredible organizations like LRAEF take us steps further each year.”
 
The LRAEF is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in 1995 and is governed by a board of directors made up of restaurants, industry experts and educators in the hospitality industry. The LRAEF exists to enhance the industry's service to the public through education, community engagement and promotion of career opportunities.  If you would like to make a donation, please contact Rachel Bolotte, rbolotte@lra.org or (504) 636-6691.
 
2018 LRAEF Annual Partners: Five Diamond- Acme Oyster House, Auto-Chlor System, Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers; Four Diamond- Performance Foodservice- Caro; Three Diamond- Atmos Energy and Baton Rouge Epicurean Society; Two Diamond- Louisiana Gas Association; One Diamond- Katie Restaurant and Patrick J. Gros, CPA. The LRAEF would also like to thank the nine chapters of the LRA for their support throughout the year. 

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