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delawarerestaurant.orgQuarter 2
T
he Delaware Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (DRAEF) held
its 2
nd
Annual Fundraising dinner last month surrounded by a room full of
hospitality professionals, educators and special guests…all gathered to enjoy
and experience student success and a spectacular evening of great food and
drink, comradery and collaboration. ProStart now reaches over 3,000 students statewide
combining a rigorous, relevant and rewarding combination of academic instruction
both inside and outside of the classroom, along with guided mentorship and industry
support through paid and volunteer opportunities! Mentoring students through real-life
experiences, like this chef and student-centered event, are vital for their academic and
experiential learning growth!
Student success is at the core of the program, and they are soaring! According to
the National Restaurant Association, 80% of ProStart students report being engaged
in the classroom, and 70% are going on to post-secondary institutions or finding
employment in the hospitality industry! Credentials and industry-specific certifications
are key for today’s technical careers, and Delaware students will begin to earn ServSafe
certifications this school year.
I am always honored when asked to speak about the passion I share along with all of
you about this organization, our Foundation, and our rich and vibrant industry! I was
asked to speak about ProStart and careers in hospitality back in February for all of
the Department of Education’s Guidance Counselors. Almost none of our guidance
counselors have experience in the restaurant or hospitality industry, so opening doors
to restaurants as a career of choice is a clear priority of our Foundation.
I was truly humbled when invited to share, motivate and help inspire the women
inmates at Baylor Women’s Correctional Facility…it affected me very deeply. I was also
invited by the Governor to attend the dedication of the Matt Haley Culinary Training
Center at James T. Vaughn Correctional Facility to hear from inmates who were gaining
skills needed to earn a second chance. These visits emphasized the need for employment
upon re-entry, and demonstrated how these job opportunities are so critical for success.
Culinary training continues to offer hope beyond the walls of prison.
I want to thank all of you for your continued support of what our staff, board and
industry does collectively to raise the level of interest, excitement and relevance about
this awesome industry! Our students and future industry leaders are counting on it!
Thank you again to our DRAEF Sponsors!
we l c ome
Foundation Dinner
Highlights ProStart;
Shares Success of Career
and Technical Education
2016 DRA BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Steve Montgomery,
The Starboard/Bethany Blues
VICE CHAIR
Jeff Cook,
2 Fat Guys
TREASURER
Scott Kammerer,
SoDel Concepts
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN
Bobby Pancake,
Buffalo Wild Wings/High 5, LLC
PRESIDENT & CEO
Carrie Leishman
DIRECTORS
Javier Acuna,
Hakuna Hospitality Group
Bob Ashby,
Ashby Hospitality
Mashoor Awad,
IHOP
Dena Calo,
Saul Ewing LLP
Les Dukart,
McDonalds/Dukart Management
Dennis Forbes,
Cool Springs/Restaurant 55
Ryan German,
Caffé Gelato
Mike Gershenfeld,
Sysco Eastern Maryland
Carl Giorigi,
Platinum Dining Group
Tom Hannum,
Buckley’s Tavern
Bill Klemkowski,
Jake’s Seafood House
Dr. Sheryl Kline,
Univ of Delaware HRIM
Betsy LeRoy,
Pizza By Elizabeths
Jean Lloyd,
BDO USA LLP
Steve Lucey,
Six Paupers/Ulysses
Hank Rosenberg,
Harrington Raceway
Paul Ruggerio,
NKS Distributors
Eric Sugrue,
Big Fish Restaurant Group
Xavier Teixido,
Harry’s Hospitality
Steve Torpey,
Stanley’s Tavern
Bob Trostel,
Breatkthru Beverage Delaware
DIRECTOR EMERITUS
Sydney Arzt
Kevin Davies
Paul Wise
DRA STAFF
Carrie Leishman,
President & CEO
Krystal Peters,
Director of Operations /
Education Director & ProStart
®
Coordinator
Karen Stauffer,
Director of Communications
Rae Whichard,
Membership Manager
2016 DRAEF BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Meghan Gardner,
Blue Moon
VICE CHAIR
Xavier Teixido,
Harry’s Hospitality
TREASURER
Josh Grapski,
Nage
SECRETARY
Betsy LeRoy,
Pizza by Elizabeths
PRESIDENT & CEO
Carrie Leishman
DIRECTOR
Ed Hennessy,
Delaware Techinical
Community College
EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Krystal Peters
Carrie Leishman,
President & CEO