A Cut Above the Rest – Publix Chefs Teach New Skills to Top Volunteers
Apron’s Cooking School Hosts Mentors and Children for Lessons in Culinary Arts
June 30, 2011 – FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – This past weekend, a very special group of adults, teens and children gathered by special invitation to participate in a chef-led cooking class. The guests represented Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County’s “Big of the Year” nominees. The superlative volunteers and their Little Brothers and Little Sisters learned tricks of the trade from three Publix Apron’s Cooking School chefs. A dozen participants worked together to prepare a full meal – appetizer, entrée and dessert – and learned about nutrition and kid-friendly cooking techniques.
The idea came as a result of Publix representative Monica Correll, who was selected as members of the community review panel for Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Bigs of the Year. Upon reading the personal, life-changing stories of the children and volunteers served by the nonprofit, Publix offered to host the nominees for a private cooking class at the Apron’s Cooking School in Plantation.
“The Publix Apron’s Cooking School enjoys the opportunity of engaging our customers with one-of-a-kind cooking events that are both entertaining and informational,” said Kim Jaeger, Publix’s Miami media and community relations manager. “We are pleased to partner with such integral community partners on this unique event. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County is changing the lives of our local youth for the better every day, which aligns perfectly with our mission of serving youth in our communities.”
Publix is a long-standing partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and has not only contributed funds and resources, but also associates’ individual time and energy in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission.
“We are so thankful to Publix for its years of dedication to our children and families. As true advocates for activism and service, their entire team leaves a positive, lasting impression on our community. It is with their support that we are able to continue transforming the lives of children, teens and young adults in Broward County,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO Ana Cedeño.
ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s largest donor-driven, volunteer-supported organization that changes the lives of children, teens and young adults. Its foundational belief is that every child has the inherent ability to succeed and thrive. By fostering one-to-one mentoring relationships, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County increases the odds of a child academically achieving, avoiding drugs and alcohol and strengthening their family.
Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters are in low-income households with a single parent or have an incarcerated parent. Meaningful relationships, ongoing evaluation and professional support provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to positively impact youth and the community. Studies show that adults mentored as children through Big Brothers Big Sisters are more likely to earn a four-year college degree, take part in strong personal relationships and give back to their community. Learn how you can change a child’s life, donate or volunteer at www.bbbsbroward.org.
ABOUT PUBLIX
Publix is privately owned and operated by its 142,000 employees, with 2009 sales of $24.3 billion. Currently Publix has 1,022 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. The company has been named one of FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For in America” for 13 consecutive years. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized as tops in the grocery business, most recently by an American Customer Satisfaction Index survey. For more information, visit the company’s website, www.publix.com.
