Robert Laub, president, HIC, Harold Import Co. Nicola Copeland, C-CAP Chicago, Program Coordinator David Blackmon, Culinary Arts Program Director
The 10th annual Culinary Futures Chicago Dinner Reception and Silent Auction to support the Chicago Careers Through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP), was once again a huge success.
Held March 11, 2018, the C-CAP Chicago students enthusiastically showcased their culinary talents by serving up delicious recipes to the more than 200 industry professionals in attendance. The event raised more than $64,000!
Specifically, the annual Chicago Culinary Futures Benefit brings together industry professionals and friends in Chicago for the International Home + Housewares Show to benefit C-CAP Chicago students. All proceeds from this special event will benefit C-CAP Chicago. Careers Through Culinary Arts Program is a national non-profit organization that works with public schools to prepare at-risk students for college and careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Through the years, with HIC’s help and support, C-CAP Chicago students were awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships. Learn more.
A huge “Thank You” goes out to all the evening’s sponsors, which included, Allstate; Conimar Group, LLC; HIC, Harold Import Co.; Primula; R.S.V.P. International, Inc.; Southern Wine & Spirits of Illinois; Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and US Foods, with HFN serving as the official media sponsor.
“C-CAP Chicago is so grateful for the ongoing support of the entire team at Harold Import Company and the Housewares Industry,” expressed Nicola Copeland, C-CAP Chicago, Program Coordinator. “With your help, we have supported the dreams of more than 30 students to attend college. This year, we’ll get the opportunity to support 13 more so they may achieve their goals.”
C-CAP/Denzel Thornton Memorial Scholarship
In addition to the C-CAP Chicago Scholarship Winners, HIC presented the C-CAP/Denzel Thornton Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship, which was created in remembrance of Thornton, an alum who was tragically killed outside his workplace, honors his spirit and determination.
“Those who knew Denzel, knew that he loved his C-CAP family, and was determined to give back to the community that supported him,” explains Robert Laub, president of HIC, Harold Import Co. “We are honored to present both Jefferson Martinez-Rodriguez and Aliyah Taylor with this award, which honors all that Denzel embodied.”
Jefferson Martinez-Rodriguez (center), co-recipient of Denzel Thornton Memorial Scholarship is on hand to receive his award and celebrate with the C-CAP Chicago family.
“Being awarded with the Denzel Thornton Memorial Scholarship from Harold Import Company makes these dreams closer than ever,” explains Jefferson Martinez-Rodriguez. “Thus, I will give the next generations a taste of my passion for my career that will hopefully influence a chain reaction.”
Aliyah Taylor, David Blackmon- Program Coordinator of CTE Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Programs, and Richard Grausman, C-CAP Founder. (from left)
Adds Aliyah Taylor, “The Denzel Thornton Memorial Alumni Scholarship from Harold Import Company will empower me by helping my academic and creative longevity in my community. The control over my education is all I ask for, and I believe with this scholarship I will get exactly that. My ability to obtain my education without financial struggle is exactly what I need to be able give back all that has been given to me.”
Not only does HIC help raise money at this popular industry event, HIC’s support for these students continues throughout the year. A portion of the proceeds from the HIC Essentials line of kitchen gadgets are donated to Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP).
For more information on C-CAP, visit www.ccapinc.org, or C-CAP Chicago.
For more information about HIC, Harold Import Co.’s participation in the Chicago event and the Denzel Thornton Memorial Alumni Scholarship, email media@haroldimport.com
