Network for Good
future chefs home A note from Toni Elka, Founder and Executive Director of Future Chefs: January 2009 The current economic downturn is affecting us all, and like you, Future Chefs is determined to come through it intact and ready for better times. In our first year we were fortunate to gain the support of a major, primary funder and assumed that our good work would be enough to ensure the continuation of that support. When the Paul and Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation decided not to renew our funding on Sept 30th, citing the need to hunker down and protect their assets in this uncertain time, we were faced with an urgent and immediate challenge - to match the balance in our bank account through private gifts and grassroots fundraising efforts. Your contribution, large or small, will make all the difference to the young people we serve. In addition to the 56 deserving high school students in our pipeline, there are 30 “Future Chefs” currently enrolled in college and/or working in jobs in our community; your support is not a one way street, all of our alums mentor younger students, or volunteer at our events or with celebrity chefs at other local fundraisers in the community to keep our network vital and committed. We need to raise $250K in 2009. Our immediate goal is $100K by June and so far we’ve successfully raised $27K from individuals in our community. We are encouraged, yet recognize that we’ve got a long way to go. A contribution to Future Chefs will effectively make a difference in the lives of local, low income families whose children need the opportunities we provide. 2009 is sure to be a transformative and promising year for Future Chefs and the world we live in. Thanks for supporting our efforts to make a difference in our small corner of the planet.

SUPPORT FUTURE CHEFS

Research shows that successes or failures during the transition from adolescence to adulthood can establish patterns that last a lifetime. Because many urban youth lack the necessary supports needed to navigate their future and secure post-secondary education for meaningful employment, high-impact programs like Future Chefs are paramount to the success of today’s young adults. By investing your time or resources in Future Chefs, you are helping ensure that the Future Chefs of tomorrow are entering the workforce today with the skills, attitude, and knowledge necessary for success.

 

WAYS TO INVEST

Become a Program Sponsor:

  • $25,000 - Pays salary and benefits for a part-time Food Educator or Marketing/Development Assistant; Covers over six months’ rent in new program space
  • $5,000 - Funds a scholarship for a graduating high school senior to attend college or post-secondary training
  • $1,000 - Sponsors travel and food-related costs for four field trips to visit colleges, industry partners, or community service sites
  • $250 – Contributes to a college student’s books and materials for one semester

Share Your Strengths:

  • Marketing and Development Expertise
  • Meeting and Event Space
  • Website Migration and Design
  • Mentor a Future Chef

Hire a Future Chef:

Future Chefs can connect you to potential employees who are skilled and eager for work in professional kitchens Future Chefs can help prep and work a community event with you

 

VOLUNTEER

Future Chefs is always seeking new volunteers to help with a variety of programming and organizational projects. Opportunities may involve, but are not limited to: providing IT services, assisting with fundraising campaigns, judging student competitions, mentoring students, supporting staff during community events and field trips, etc. Please contact us here to get involved today! Our funds are managed by Third Sector New England, an umbrella 501(C)3 for small, social justice organizations like ours. Tax-deductible gifts may be made out to Future Chefs-TSNE and sent to: Future Chefs, 681 Main Street, 2-4, Waltham, MA 02451.
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