Partners and Sponsors

We rely on our partners and sponsors to further and continue our programming efforts to bring more educational opportunities to students who would otherwise not be able to complete and extend their educational goals. We are very thankful to our partners and look forward to adding more like-minded organizations.

Long co-chaired by chef Marcus Samuelsson, Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) is a workforce development nonprofit that provides underserved teens a pathway to success. Annually, C-CAP provides culinary, job and life skills to over 20,000 middle-and-high school students in seven regions across the United States. Founded in 1990 by Richard Grausman, this nonprofit strives to help further food and social justice, as well as equity and inclusion by providing tools for success. Starting in middle schools, they provide culinary-and-wellness curriculum, and in high schools also provide an integrated approach to employment in the food sector via internships/apprenticeships, job shadows, mentorship, and work opportunities, college and career advising, and higher-education scholarships, along with product and food donations. The success of their alumni is proof of the methodology and the work they have done.
The Chopping Block is a leader in the culinary industry for its mission to get people to cook. The popular recreational cooking school, private event venue and gourmet retail and wine store has been in business for over 22 years in Chicago due to its ability to adapt to its customers’ needs. A highly-trained staff interacts with customers like they would with their own families: they swap stories, share recipes and learn together. The Chopping Block modifies what they teach, how they teach and what products they offer to fit the ever-changing needs of their students. From 101 cooking classes to professional culinary school-style instruction in Culinary Boot Camps, The Chopping Block addresses deficiencies in cooking skills for all levels.
Conagra Brands Foundation believes everyone has a right to healthy and nutritious food. However, this is not the reality for many, as food insecurity exists in every county of the United States. To make an impact and raise awareness of food insecurity, the Conagra Brands Foundation engages their employees, partners with leading local and national nonprofits, and inspires others to create a world where people have access to the food they need to reach their full potential.
Nielsen-Massey Foundation's mission as a charitable foundation is to assist disadvantaged children and adults with education and leadership development, especially in the field of culinary arts. Founded in 2009, the foundation’s board of directors consists of siblings Craig, Beth and Matt Nielsen—third-generation owners of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas–and their mother Camilla Nielsen. Their goal is to continue the company’s long-standing charitable tradition, and to help achieve that objective.
Tutore is a sophisticated yet approachable Italian-centric cooking school located at 2755 W. Belmont Avenue in Chicago, Illinois to offer a superior instructional experience. Founded and operated by Dean Zanella and James De Marte, the two acclaimed chefs have over 75 years of experience in the culinary industry. Tutore is a place for those looking for a familiar, friendly, and sophisticated locale - where consistency, service, and value reign supreme. With a rotating weekly class schedule on Thursday through Sunday, classes range from basic techniques and tips to recipe-specific and ingredient-focused classes for any skill level. To learn more about Tutore Cooking School and to check out their full class schedule, please visit www.tutorecookingschool.com.