NRAEF launches fundraising for ProStart program

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) has launched a fundraising initiative for its ProStart program – a two-year, culinary arts and restaurant management education program for high school students – with the goal of raising $3 million in 2011. Donations will provide the essential funds needed to strengthen this unparalleled, industry-driven program, and establish a solid foundation upon which to grow the program significantly in the next five years from its current base of 90,000 students.

Fundraising efforts, under the leadership of Carlton Curtis, Vice Chair of the NRAEF Board of Trustees and an executive at The Coca-Cola Company, have made significant progress, with more than $1 million in donations secured to-date. Supporters across the industry, from operators and manufacturers to distributors and service providers, have made their commitments to ProStart for 2011.

“I encourage the industry to join us in supporting the ProStart program. It is a proven, high-impact program that has changed the lives of countless students and the industry at large,” said Doug Brooks, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, Brinker International, Inc. “No other program so effectively brings the restaurant industry and the classroom together to provide students and teachers with access to relevant, real-world educational opportunities.”

If you are interested in supporting the program, please contact the NRAEF at 800-765-2122 or visit www.prostart.restaurant.org.