LRA Cenla Chapter funds $25k scholarship

Inaugural year for LRAEF scholarship to aid student in central Louisiana

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is pleased to announce that the LRA Cenla Chapter has established the LRA Cenla Chapter Scholarship to provide financial assistance to students in central Louisiana pursuing a career in the culinary and/or hospitality industry.

The chapter pledged $25,000 to the LRAEF, which will award one $5,000 or two $2,500 scholarships annually to eligible students for the next five years. This scholarship will be awarded to qualified applicants from the Cenla Chapter’s 11 parish area- Avoyelles, Beauregard, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon and Winn parishes.

In addition to the residency requirement, applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be accepted or enrolled in a qualified two- or four-year degree program, pursuing a career in the culinary/hospitality field.

Available for download at www.LRAEF.org, the application must be completed and postmarked by Friday, April 10, 2015.

“With a growing demand for skilled workforce in the restaurant and hospitality industry across the state, the LRA Cenla Chapter felt it was important to provide an opportunity for young people in our area to pursue such a career,” said LRA Cenla Chapter President Dave Merchant.

“The LRAEF is very appreciative to the Cenla Chapter for this generous scholarship donation,” said LRAEF Executive Director Alice Glenn. “Our industry offers great opportunities for rewarding careers and advancement. Our goal is to support promising future leaders as they prepare for the many lucrative restaurant careers in Louisiana.”

The LRAEF, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, exists to enhance the restaurant community through expanded educational and career opportunities, the formation of strategic partnerships and the elevation of professional standards and practices. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Alice Glenn, aglenn@lra.org or (504) 636-6526.

The LRAEF is grateful to the nine LRA chapters and its LRAEF sponsors: 5 Diamond—Acme Oyster House, Auto-Chlor Services, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, Louisiana Restaurant Association, Louisiana Seafood and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation; 4 Diamond—Performance Foodservice-Caro; 3 Diamond—Atmos Energy, Camellia Brand, Louisiana Culinary Institute, New Orleans Wine & Food Experience and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers; 2 Diamond—Louisiana Gas Association and Whole Foods Market.

Judy Achary of Lakeshore High School named 2015 LRAEF ProStart® Educator of the Year

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) has named Judy Achary of Lakeshore High School as its 2015 ProStart^® Educator of the Year.

ProStart is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students 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.

Achary, Lakeshore’s ProStart instructor since the school’s opening in 2009, was bestowed the honor during a special, surprise ceremony at the school, February 10, 2015.

2015 LRAEF Chair Lenny Raymond, Principal Dr. Jeanne
Wagner, Judy Achary, LRAEF ProStart Manager
Jennifer Jeansonne &  Executive Director Alice Glenn. 

“ProStart is so important to my students,” said Achary. “I always tell them that I’m teaching them real life skills. They can use what they are learning in class and apply it not only to a future career, but also in their everyday life.”

Under Achary’s direction, Lakeshore High School’s ProStart team won first place in the culinary competition at last year’s Louisiana Seafood ProStart Student Invitational and went on to represent the state proudly at the National ProStart Student Invitational in Minneapolis, Minn. Lakeshore will defend its title at the 2015 competition, March 3-4, at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. Achary also has the distinction of guiding 100 percent of her students to achieving the ProStart Certificate of Achievement.

“While we have many talented ProStart educators, Judy stood out as a most worthy choice for this year’s award,” said LRAEF Executive Director Alice Glenn. “Judy understands the importance of the curriculum and shares that knowledge with her students in a caring and enjoyable environment.”

Achary will travel to Chicago in May to be honored by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation as a nominee for the national ProStart Educator of Excellence Award.

The LRAEF, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, exists to enhance the restaurant community through expanded educational and career opportunities, the formation of strategic partnerships and the elevation of professional standards and practices. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Alice Glenn, aglenn@lra.org or (504) 636-6526.

The LRAEF is grateful to the nine LRA chapters and its LRAEF sponsors: 5 Diamond—Acme Oyster House, Auto-Chlor Services, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, Louisiana Restaurant Association, Louisiana Seafood and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation; 4 Diamond—Performance Foodservice-Caro; 3 Diamond—Atmos Energy, Camellia Brand, Louisiana Culinary Institute, New Orleans Wine & Food Experience and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers; 2 Diamond—Louisiana Gas Association and Whole Foods Market.

LRA Education Foundation Announces 2015 Leadership

Board of Directors to guide Foundation’s mission in the new year

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is pleased to announce its 2015 Board of Directors, which will oversee the mission and goals of the LRAEF.

The LRAEF, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, is the philanthropic arm of the Louisiana Restaurant Association and exists to enhance the community through expanded educational and career opportunities, the formation of strategic partnerships and the elevation of the restaurant industry’s professional standards and practices.

The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing LRAEF programs, including ProStart^® and the LRAEF Scholarship Fund. ProStart is a nationwide, two-year, culinary arts and restaurant management program for high school students that develop the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders. Recently, the LRAEF, through its ProStart Support Fund, awarded $50,000 to eligible high schools. The Board of Directors also awards LRAEF scholarships annually to students pursuing a culinary education. Since 2010, the LRAEF Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $200,000 to 64 students. These funds are raised in large part from the nine LRA chapters, through their annual fundraising events and annual sponsorships.

The 2015 LRAEF Board of Directors’ three new members are:

• Dave Merchant, BJ’s Pizza, Alexandria
• Paul Rotner, Acme Oyster House, Metairie
• Rocky Weigand, Coca-Cola, Harahan

They are joining current members:

• Lenny Raymond, Chair- Ben E. Keith
• Donna Stephenson, Vice Chair- ATMOS Energy, Monroe
• Peter Sclafani, Secretary/Treasurer- Ruffino’s Restaurant, Baton Rouge
• Helen LeBourgeois, Immediate Past Chair- TLC Linen Services, New Orleans
• Dwight Barnes- Crescent Crown Distributing, New Orleans
• Octavio Mantilla- Besh Restaurant Group, New Orleans

 And Ex-Officio members:

• Matt Massey, Industry Representative- Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Lafayette
• Tony Abadie, LRA Chair- Hilton New Orleans Riverside
• Stan Harris, LRA President & CEO
• Alice Glenn, LRAEF Executive Director

“The LRAEF is excited to begin another great year with our dedicated board members,” said LRAEF Executive Director Alice Glenn. “Our directors volunteer countless hours throughout their tenure to the advancement of the Foundation and we are so very grateful.”

The LRAEF is grateful to the nine LRA chapters and its LRAEF sponsors: 5 Diamond—Acme Oyster House, Auto-Chlor Services, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, Louisiana Restaurant Association, Louisiana Seafood and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation; 4 Diamond—Performance Foodservice-Caro; 3 Diamond—Atmos Energy, Camellia Brand, Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Louisiana Culinary Institute, New Orleans Wine & Food Experience and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers; 2 Diamond—Louisiana Gas Association, Whole Foods Market and Chef Paul Prudhomme’s “Sea of Hope.”

LRA Education Foundation distributes $50k to Louisiana high schools

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is pleased to announce that it has distributed $50,000 to ProStart^® programs around the state through its ProStart Program Support Fund.

Through annual fundraising efforts of the nine LRA Chapters and support from LRAEF Annual Sponsors, these funds were awarded to eligible ProStart programs in 36 Louisiana high schools. ProStart is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students 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.

Bonnabel Magnet Academy ProStart Instructor Emile Meydrich, LRAEF
Executive Director Alice Glenn and ProStart students. 

The first check was presented to ProStart instructor Emile Meydrich and his students at Alfred Bonnabel Magnet Academy in Metairie, January 22, 2015.

“We are very appreciative of the LRAEF for these funds,” said Meydrich. “We could not do much of our kitchen lab work and participate in the upcoming ProStart competition without their generosity. It goes a long way in helping the students.”

To be considered, the schools had to indicate needs, with a specific action plan for how the funds would be spent. Schools received an average of $1,400 to help defray the costs of testing materials, perishables, small wares, capital projects, field trips and the upcoming Louisiana Seafood ProStart Student Invitational at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, March 3-4.

“The LRAEF is proud to offer this assistance to our ProStart schools for the second consecutive year,” said Executive Director Alice Glenn. “We were shocked to discover just how little financial support many of our high schools have to support vital programs like ProStart. The money simply isn’t there. To assist in ensuring that instructors are able to offer their students the best possible ProStart training, the LRAEF made the ProStart Program Support Fund a high priority.”

The LRAEF, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, exists to enhance the restaurant community through expanded educational and career opportunities, the formation of strategic partnerships and the elevation of professional standards and practices. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Alice Glenn, aglenn@lra.org or (504) 636-6526.

The LRAEF is grateful to the nine LRA Chapters and its sponsors: 5 Diamond—Acme Oyster House, Auto-Chlor Services, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, Louisiana Restaurant Association, Louisiana Seafood and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation; 4 Diamond—Performance Foodservice-Caro; 3 Diamond—Atmos Energy, Camellia Brand, Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Louisiana Culinary Institute, New Orleans Wine & Food Experience and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers; 2 Diamond—Louisiana Gas Association, Whole Foods Market and Chef Paul Prudhomme’s “Sea of Hope.”

LRA Education Foundation offers $60,000 in hospitality scholarships

Scholarship Fund to aid students for fourth consecutive year

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF), through its LRAEF Scholarship Fund, is now accepting applications through May 21, 2014.

The LRAEF Scholarship Fund was created in 2009 to provide an opportunity to further educate ProStart^® students, culinary/hospitality students, industry employees and educators.  By providing financial support via scholarship funds, recipients are encouraged to select the culinary and/or hospitality fields as a career choice, or to further their career in the industry. With this year’s awards included, the LRAEF Scholarship Fund has gifted $200,000 to eligible students since its inception.

Applicants must be currently enrolled in or accepted to a degree-seeking program related to the hospitality or culinary industries. Scholarship awards may vary based on available funds and are merit-based.  Applicants who have completed ProStart will be eligible for the LRAEF-National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Co-Branded Scholarship. All others will be eligible for the LRAEF General Hospitality Scholarship. 

At the 2013 LRAEF Five Star Futures Gala, 24 students
received scholarships totaling $50,000 to pursue or continue
their culinary and/or hospitality education. 

The top applicant will receive the Jim Funk Scholarship Award. The LRAEF’s most prestigious award, the scholarship is named for former LRA President & CEO Jim Funk, who retired in 2010 after 30 years of service. Funk is a LRAEF co-founder and culinary education champion.

DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED: Available for download here, the application must be completed and postmarked by Wednesday, May 21, 2014.

“The LRAEF is proud to offer monetary assistance to students both beginning and furthering their education in the culinary and hospitality fields,” said LRAEF Executive Director Alice Glenn. “Louisiana is on pace to add a minimum of 17,000 new industry positions over the next 10 years. Our goal is to support young people by providing merit-based financial assistance as they prepare for the many lucrative restaurant careers in Louisiana.”

The LRAEF, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, exists to enhance the restaurant community through expanded educational and career opportunities, the formation of strategic partnerships and the elevation of professional standards and practices. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Alice Glenn, aglenn@lra.org or (504) 454-2277, ext. 565.

The LRAEF is grateful to its 2014 annual partners: 5 Diamond—Acme Oyster House, Auto-Chlor Services, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation and Louisiana Seafood; 4 Diamond—Performance Foodservice-Caro; 3 Diamond—Atmos Energy, Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Louisiana Culinary Institute, New Orleans Wine & Food Experience and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers; 2 Diamond—Louisiana Gas Association, Whole Foods Market and Chef Paul Prudhomme’s “Sea of Hope”; and 1 Diamond—Entergy.

Students get cookin' as ProStart competition season heats up

The run-up to this year’s National ProStart Invitational in May has officially begun, with high-school students from around the country prepping to compete in the culinary and management competitions, where winners will secure educational scholarships and pursue careers in the restaurant industry, officials of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation said.

The Louisiana Seafood ProStart Student Invitational is scheduled for March 25-26, 2014 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center.  ProStart teams placing in the top three spots for the culinary and management competitions will receive nearly $1 million in scholarships from the nation’s and Louisiana’s most notable programs.

“Nearly 200 Louisiana ProStart students will participate this year,” said Alice Glenn, LRA Education Foundation Executive Director. “For the second year, ProStart students will be required to feature at least one of six of the Louisiana seafood species—oysters, crab, shrimp, finfish, alligator and crawfish—in either their appetizer or entrée in the culinary competition.”

Management competition contenders are required to include Louisiana seafood in the restaurant concept menu.

The winning Louisiana team in culinary and management will go on to vie for a spot at the national event in Minneapolis, May 3-5, as well as scholarships from renowned schools, including Johnson & Wales University, Le Cordon Bleu and Sullivan University.

The ProStart program, created by the NRAEF in partnership with the restaurant industry, is administered and managed by 48 participating state restaurant associations around the United States, as well as programs in Guam and Department of Defense (DOD) high schools on U.S. military bases. It helps introduce students to potential career opportunities in foodservice and features a specialized curriculum – Foundations of Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts – that was developed with the help of industry professionals.

According to Rob Gifford, the NRAEF’s executive vice president of philanthropic initiatives, total restaurant and foodservice employment is projected to grow by 11 percent over the next 10 years, and the Educational Foundation along with its state association partners “are committed to ensuring the development of highly trained and professional talent pool through scholarships and educational programs.

“Thanks to the dedication and leadership of our state partners, ProStart is part of a national movement to empower students with the training and opportunities they need to achieve fulfilling, lifelong careers,” he said.

The culinary phase of the National ProStart Invitational will highlight the creative abilities of each team as they prepare a three-course meal in 60 minutes using two butane burners and no access to running water or electricity. Teams will be evaluated on taste, teamwork, safety and sanitation, among other skills, while the management teams will develop a business proposal for an original restaurant concept and present it to a panel of industry judges, who will challenge them to address the issues restaurant managers face on a daily basis. This year’s event is expected to attract more than 900 attendees, including industry and academic leaders, NRAEF board members, state restaurant association representatives, ProStart educators, and the contestants’ friends and family members.

Students at this year’s state competitions will participate in 46 culinary cook-offs and 40 management demonstrations. The state competitions will run through April.

For more information about ProStart, visit NRAEF.org/ProStart, Twitter or Facebook.

LRA Education Foundation Announces 2014 Leadership

Board of Directors to guide Foundation’s mission in the new year

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is pleased to announce its 2014 Board of Directors, which will oversee the goals and mission of the LRAEF.

The LRAEF, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is the philanthropic arm of the Louisiana Restaurant Association and exists to enhance our community through expanded educational and career opportunities, the formation of strategic partnerships and the elevation of the restaurant industry’s professional standards and practices.

The Board of Directors is also responsible for distributing the LRAEF’s scholarship funds that it gifts annually to students pursuing a culinary education. Since 2010, the LRAEF Scholarship Fund has awarded $140,000 to 54 students.

The 2014 LRAEF Board of Directors’ new member is Chauncey Davis, with Ben E. Keith in Sulphur.

He is joining current members:

• Helen LeBourgeois, Chair- TLC Linen Services, New Orleans
• Lenny Raymond, Vice Chair- Ben E. Keith
• Donna Stephenson, Secretary/Treasurer- ATMOS Energy, Monroe
• Fabian Castillo, Immediate Past Chair- La Casa Del Sol in Houma & Thibodaux
• John Eastman, Industry Representative- Auto-Chlor Services, Jefferson
• Bruce Attinger, LRA Chair- Outback Steakhouse, Baton Rouge
• Dwight Barnes- Crescent Crown Distributing, New Orleans
• Lucien Gunter- Acme Oyster House, Metairie
• Octavio Mantilla- Besh Restaurant Group, New Orleans
• Peter Sclafani- Ruffino’s Restaurant & Ruffino’s on the River, Baton Rouge & Lafayette

“The LRAEF is excited to begin another great year with our dedicated board members,” said LRAEF Executive Director Alice Glenn. “Our directors volunteer countless hours throughout their tenure to the advancement of the Foundation and we are so very grateful.”

The LRAEF would like to thank its Partners, whose financial assistance makes its programs a reality: 5 Diamond- Auto-Chlor Services, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, Acme Oyster House and Louisiana Seafood; 4 Diamond- Performance Foodservice Caro; 3 Diamond- Louisiana Culinary Institute, ATMOS Energy, New Orleans Wine & Food Experience and Drago’s Seafood Restaurant; 2 Diamond- Louisiana Gas Association, Chef Paul Prudhomme’s “Sea of Hope,” and Whole Foods; 1 Diamond- Entergy. Also, the LRAEF extends special recognition to all LRA chapters that support the LRAEF through its various philanthropic activities throughout the year.

CHOP program serves as format for ProStart students to hone their presentation skills

In partnership with Ochsner Health System, the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF), through two Jefferson Parish ProStart schools—Bonnabel Magnet Academy and Grace King High School—are participating in the Cooking-up Healthy Optionsand Portions (CHOP) program. CHOP is an after-school cooking program designed to teach middle school students to prepare healthy meals and feel more confident in the kitchen. 

"ProStart students meet with middle schoolers for 90-minutes each week and conduct demonstrations designed to explore healthy substitutions and teach them how to prepare meals for themselves and their families," said Alice Glenn, LRAEF Executive Director. "The younger students have the opportunity to learn from our ProStart students knife skills and safety, food safety, proper measuring and calculations, meal planning, boiling, simmering, sautéing and baking."

Ochsner’s Community Outreach staff has revised and created recipes that show students they can still eat their favorite foods and be healthy at the same time, just by making a few small changes. CHOP acts as a compliment to the LSU AgCenter’s Smart Choices nutrition program and is offered to students who have already participated in that program. The program’s goal is to enable students to translate the information they learn into tangible skills that can make healthy eating a habit. 

“ProStart students serve as skilled mentors for these younger students,” said Glenn. “It is our hope that our ProStart students will inspire them to take an interest not only in eating healthy, but in the restaurant industry as a career option in the future.” 

LRA Education Foundation Offers $50,000 in Hospitality Scholarships

Scholarship Fund to aid students for third consecutive year

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF), through its LRAEF Scholarship Fund, is accepting applications for its two scholarships—the LRAEF General Hospitality Scholarship and the LRAEF-National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) Co-Branded Scholarship.

The LRAEF Scholarship Fund was created in 2009 to provide an opportunity to further educate ProStart^® students, culinary/hospitality students, industry employees and educators by giving financial support via scholarship funds with hopes that the recipients select the culinary and/or hospitality fields as a career choice or continue to work in the industry.

This Fund will allow recipients access to post-secondary education in the culinary and/or hospitality fields or special certificate programs for educators or industry professionals. The scholarships are awarded for one time financial assistance.

General Hospitality Scholarship applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted in a hospitality or culinary degree seeking program such as bachelor and/or associate. 

LRAEF-NRAEF Co-Branded Scholarship applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted in a hospitality or culinary degree seeking program such as bachelor and/or associate. They must also be currently enrolled as a ProStart student or have completed the ProStart Program. 

Both scholarship awards may vary based on available funds and are merit-based.

Available for download at www.LRA.org, both applications must be completed and postmarked by May 3, 2013.

With this year’s awards included, the LRAEF Scholarship Fund has gifted $130,000 to eligible students since its inception.

“The LRAEF is proud to offer monetary assistance to students both beginning and furthering their education in the culinary and general hospitality fields,” said LRAEF Executive Director Alice Glenn. “Louisiana is on pace to add more than 17,000 new industry positions over the next 10 years. Our goal is to continue attracting young people to restaurant careers and providing merit-based financial assistance whenever possible.”

The LRAEF, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, exists to enhance the restaurant community through expanded educational and career opportunities, the formation of strategic partnerships and the elevation of professional standards and practices. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Alice Glenn, aglenn@lra.org or (504) 454-2277, ext. 565.

The Louisiana ProStart program is grateful to its partners: Diamond- Acme Oyster House, Auto-Chlor Services and the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation; Platinum- Performance Foodservice Caro; and Gold- Louisiana Culinary Institute, Ocean Conservancy and Atmos Energy.

LRA GNO Chapter donates culinary equipment to ESJ's displaced ProStart program

Kitchenware and appliances are valued at more than $5,500 and were presented to the school November 28

Just a short time ago, Louisiana was looking down the barrel of yet another hurricane and areas surrounding the Metro New Orleans Area were greatly impacted by severe flooding due to Hurricane Isaac's storm surge. While many of us in the area were without power for days, others in the areas affected where salvaging what was left of their belongings, seeking alternative housing and officials were looking for other facilities to educate the students at the schools that experiences damage.

LRAEF Executive Director Alice Glenn, Chef Duke LoCicero
LRA Director Paul Rotner and ProStart Coordinator
James Blanchard with ProStart Instructor Autrey
Washington with East St. John HS officials.

One of those schools was East St. John High School, located in Reserve, La. in the River Parishes between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Inundated with flood waters, the damage forced students into Leon Godchaux Junior High School temporarily while the repairs are managed. Sadly, the school’s ProStart program experienced a loss of its equipment in its kitchen lab and textbooks.

The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) Education Foundation (LRAEF) replaced their textbooks. Here’s where the LRA's Greater New Orleans Chapter stepped in. They agreed to replace much of the kitchen tools needed to demonstrate the lesson plans.

On November 28, 2012 the LRA GNO Chapter donated $5,500 in small wares and equipment to the ESJ ProStart program, which is administered by the LRA Education Foundation. NBC 33 in Baton Rouge covered the presentation here.

LRA GNO Chapter 2nd VP Chef Duke LoCicero shows off
some of the donated equipment to the East St.

“The flooding of Reserve and LaPlace affected us deeply,” said LRA GNO Chapter 2^ndVice President Chef Duke LoCicero, owner of Café Giovanni in New Orleans. “The chapter, of course, was familiar with the daunting task of replacing items lost to a flood and it was especially upsetting to hear that East St. John High School’s ProStart program was in jeopardy. We wanted to help in any way we could.”

Among the items contributed were: a commercial reach-in refrigerator; two microwave ovens, a propane gas grill, two commercial lift stand mixers; knives, sharpeners, pots, pans and mixing bowls of various sizes and a whole host of other necessary kitchen items.

$40k in scholarships given to 14, by LRA Education Foundation

It’s a wonderful thing to support young people as they pursue their dreams of higher education. Going to college for any student is an important milestone and a journey they will recall throughout their lives.

While there are scholarships given by many organizations and institutions, the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation created the Scholarship Fund to specifically support ProStart students and students who are currently enrolled or have been accepted in a hospitality or culinary degree seeking program.

“The LRAEF Scholarship Fund is designed to seed future leaders in the restaurant business in Louisiana,” said Stan Harris, President/CEO, LRA. “This is the second year we will award $40,000 to deserving students and we are looking for new and exciting ways to grow the Scholarship Fund.”

On Saturday night in New Orleans, the LRAEF will host its inaugural Five Stars Futures gala—a star-studded affair which also recognizes today’s restaurant industry leaders for their philanthropy to the industry and other important humanitarian causes.

Fourteen individuals will receive scholarhips to continue
their culinary or hospitality educations at the inaugural
Five Star Futures gala, Saturday, August 11 at the
Hilton New Orleans Riverside.

The scholarship recipients will be recognized during the evening and many of the students will have family members present.

“Having the scholarship recipients recognized in front of a room full of Louisiana’s most notable restaurateurs, service providers and hoteliers is certainly to their advantage,” said Alice Glenn, Executive Director, LRAEF. “Any of our member restaurants and associates would be doing themselves a favor to keep an eye on the progress of these students.”

The LRAEF and National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF) ProStart Scholarship is a co-branded scholarship given to students who have, or will receive the ProStart Certificate of Achievement. This year’s recipients are: Sabrina Bodenheimer, Victoria Cart, Caitlin Hall, Melissa McGuire, Kaila Mogg-Stone, Thien Nguyen and Andre Rochon. Among the schools this scholarship class chose? The John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University; Louisiana Culinary Institute and the Art Institute of Houston will be the schools training this group for careers.

The General Hospitality Scholarship is a scholarship given to students who are currently enrolled in or have been accepted in a hospitality or culinary degree seeking program. This year’s recipients are: Rheham Algattan, Stephon Cook, Gregory Estevan, Scott Kohls, Christina Manriquez, Kayleigh Mehrtens and Hillary Scott—continuing their educations at John Folse Institute and Louisiana Culinary Institute.

Special gala guest, NRA
Chairwoman Roz Mallet

“We are thrilled to reward the hard work of these 14 students,” said John Eastman, LRAEF Chair. “We are very proud of them and know that their commitment to the foodservice industry will make it that much stronger in the years to come.”

The Five Star Futures Gala is Saturday, August 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. In addition to recognizing today’s industry leaders and supporting the next generation, the event will feature a live auction with guest auctioneer Mark Romig and the special guest, Roz Mallet, the first African American Chairwoman of the National Restaurant Association.

Special thanks to our Gala Sponsors: Reinhart Food Service, Acme Oyster House, Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, Mr. Mudbug's and Crescent Crown Distributing.

Five Star Futures Gala, a “star-studded” evening

Louisiana’ restaurant and hospitality industries will convene August 11 for an evening to recognize today’s industry leaders and support the education of the next generation. The Hilton Riverside Grand Ballroom will be decked with beautiful spring bouquets, libations and world-class cuisine and all to benefit the Louisiana Restaurant AssociationEducation Foundation’s Scholarship Fund.

“We are looking forward to raising funds for our Scholarship Program and awareness of some of our industry’s most philanthropic members,” said Melvin Rodrigue, LRA Chairman. “To make the evening even more special, the National Restaurant Association Chairwoman Roz Mallet will join us.”

LRA Chair Melvin Rodrigue will
name the restaurant industry's high
award winners during the Five Star
Futures Gala, August 12.

Throughout the program, Guest Auctioneer Mark Romig of the New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corp will get the bidding started on great packages like round trip airfare, charter fishing trips, duck hunts and multi-course meals—one by Chef Susan Spicer of Bayona and Mondo. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on four tickets to the New Orleans Saints season opener September 9 and VIP amenities at the Hyatt Regency.

The event also features a Cork Pull. Members of the LRA donated a bottle of wine to the Cork Pull to increase contributions to the Scholarship Fund.



National Restaurant Assoc.
Chair Roz Mallet will be
the special guest of honor
at the Five Stars
Future Gala.

“Having a Cork Pull at our event affords our members various giving levels throughout the evening,” said Alice Glenn, Executive Director, LRAEF. “We are extremely thankful to all our members who have contributed to the success of the Five Star Futures Gala.”

Fourteen students will be awarded a total of $40,000 in scholarships during the opening portion of the program. It is with support of the Gala sponsors and the annual ProStart Partners that the foundation is able to award these funds, and for the second year in a row.

“During the latter part of the program, we will announce the LRA’s top award recipients, the Advocate of the Year, Associate Member of the Year and the Restaurateur of the Year,” said Stan Harris, President/CEO, LRA. “We will also induct a beloved member of the New Orleans restaurant community into the LRA’s Hall of Fame.”

A few tickets are still available! If you are interested in attendees this “star-studded” event, please call Alice Glenn at (504) 454-2277 or email aglenn@lra.org today!

Why do we wear jeans on Friday?

LRA Staffers sport their denim on Fridays
for Louisiana ProStart!

Last year, the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation was brainstorming ideas to engage the staff of the Association in its mission to raise awareness of the Louisiana ProStart program. From that session emerged the “Denim and Dollars” initiative. For a $25 contribution to the LRAEF, staff members were able to wear jeans to work on the last Friday of each month.

ProStart is a two-year, dynamic, culinary arts and restaurant management curriculum administered by the LRAEF in nearly 50 high schools statewide and more than 1,300 participating.

“The response was great,” said Pam St. Pierre, VP of Member Services. “We raised nearly $800 and it gave the staff an opportunity to dress casually one day a month.”

To keep the momentum going in 2012, the discussion of whether to continue the initiative was raised in a senior management meeting and the feedback was a resounding ‘YES!’

“Everyone was in agreement that it was a worthwhile effort for our ProStart students,” said Stan Harris, LRA President and CEO. “I suggested raising the amount and allowing our staff to wear jeans every Friday.”

From that statement, discussion ensued about the cost for the luxury of wearing jeans. A consensus among the team was reached and the amount increased to $50 and the contributions nearly doubled to $1,500.

“Every Friday I look forward to wearing jean to work because it puts me in a relaxed, ‘weekend is near’ mode,” said Erica Papillion, Social Media Director. “It’s double the advantage because I know my contribution is going to such a worthy cause like ProStart!”

Rayne team places third at National ProStart Invitational

Rayne High School's ProStart Management Team takes
third place at the National ProStart Invitational.

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is proud to announce that the Rayne High School ProStart^® Management team placed third in the country at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland on April 30, 2012.

Rayne won the management competition, and the right to represent Louisiana on a national level, at the LRAEF ProStart Student Competition February 29, 2012 in Kenner.

Rayne High School’s team consisted of educator Kandice Dequeant and students Kelsey Burleigh, Sebastian Hebert, Katherine Meche and Andre Rochon.

Competing on a national stage, among 41 teams from across the U.S., Puerto Rico and Guam, Rayne High School’s task was to create a restaurant concept. Their entry was a small plates/ tapas restaurant called Petit Mangeŕ, Jazzy Cajun Tapas, with the tagline, “Small Bites, Big Flavor.” Petit Mangeŕ means “small food” in Cajun French.

LRAEF Executive Director
Alice Glenn travels with the
Rayne and Hammond ProStart
teams as they represent Louisiana
at the National ProStart Invitational.

“The LRAEF is very proud of Rayne’s management team,” said LRAEF Executive Director Alice Glenn. “These young men and women represented Louisiana wonderfully with their talent and creativity. The LRAEF strives to prepare these high school students for a life outside the classroom and I can confidently say that they are a bright part of the future of our industry.”

The mission of the ProStart program and competition is to increase student awareness of careers in the restaurant/foodservice industry and to provide the restaurant industry with a forum to present and recruit ProStart students. Participating students complete a nationally-endorsed, dynamic and comprehensive curriculum which encourages them to learn all aspects of operating and managing a restaurant or foodservice establishment, in school and in structured hands-on worksites.

The LRAEF would like to sincerely thank its ProStart Student Competition Sponsors: Diamond—Auto Chlor Services and the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation; Platinum—Performance Food Group-Caro; Gold—Louisiana Culinary Institute; Silver—Ovations; Friends of ProStart—Mestizo Restaurant and Notini’s Restaurant and Contributing Sponsors—Capitol City Produce, Centerplate, Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Pontchartrain Center and Sysco New Orleans.

The mission of the LRAEF, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, is to promote the industry as a career choice to our current and future workforce, offer scholarships and professional development. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Alice Glenn, aglenn@lra.org or (504) 454-2277, ext. 565.