Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Online extras for March

High school students from 39 states to compete in ProStart

The National Restaurant Association announced that 39 states, territories and districts will be sending ProStart high school students to compete at the eighth annual National ProStart Invitational from April 24 to 26 at the Town and Country Resort & Convention Center in San Diego. At this fast-paced competition, teams of students that won first place in their state culinary and/or management competitions will compete for the national title, as well as scholarships to continue their education at colleges and universities across the country. In 2008, $1.3 million in scholarships were awarded to winning students.

The complete roster of states, territories and districts sending teams of students to participate in the culinary and/or management competitions includes: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. A total of 275 students will be competing in the National ProStart Invitational.

College of Dupage culinary program to host fund-raiser dinner

Glen Ellyn, Ill.-based College of DuPage's 12th annual "Traditions in Excellence" food and wine dinner event is set for April 21 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The "Traditions in Excellence" dinner event is an opportunity for the College of DuPage's culinary students to showcase their skills, while raising money to enhance the Hospitality Administration program. This year's event presents a four-course, sit-down dinner prepared by the students. The College of DuPage will be recognizing one of its exemplary graduates: Gus Vonderheide, vice president of Hyatt Corp.

Throughout the evening, guests can mingle and peruse the silent and live auction items that will be offered. All the proceeds from the evening's event will go directly to the College of DuPage's Hospitality Program and expansion. Over the years, this event has raised money for new facility improvements and enhances the college's exceptional and growing program. The ambitious expansion plans include a new hotel lab with a hotel front desk, hotel room and reception area, two kitchens, two bake shops, a chocolate room, a bistro and a new culinary market. The project is scheduled for completion in 2012.

Visit www.traditionsinexcellence.com for more information.