The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Culinary students stir up awareness for men’s health
Fundraising dinners benefit cause, teach importance of service.
Once a year, the senior class in The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Atlanta showcases its craft to guests all while raising money for a good cause. Every year, the benefiting nonprofit is different and also chosen by the students.
“The senior class has to do a complete practicum before they graduate, and this component of giving back has become an important part of this curriculum,” said L. Monique Porche-Smith, culinary arts faculty.
Kicking off Men’s Health Awareness Month, the seniors hosted Generations of Gentlemen on June 1 at the Arts Institute of Atlanta to raise money for the Men’s Health and Wellness Center, a nonprofit that provides healthcare education, screening and support services for men older than 40 and promotes lifestyle practices that lead to disease prevention, healthy living and improved quality of life.
A second dinner will be on June 8.
“Men’s health is rarely ever spoken about,” said Eric M. Seidel, chair of Men’s Health and Wellness Center. “Men also can turn a blind eye to their health, so we want to reach out to them and their families and provide the proper tools, advice and knowledge to keep them healthy and with their families for as long as possible.”
Cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes are the top three diseases that affect the male population.
The money raised from the dinners will support Men’s Health and Wellness Center’s educational and support programs for cardiovascular health, cancer and more.
The organization also seeks volunteers to help further its cause. The community can support its programs by volunteering at various events or with office administration needs.
In honor of Father’s Day, Men’s Health and Wellness will host the eighth annual Run 4 Dad 5K on June 17 in Sandy Springs to raise money for prostate cancer.
The dinner, however, had a bigger purpose — especially for its participating students.
“Restaurants thrive because of the community they create. So this event is important for our students to learn about becoming embedded in their community and giving back once they get into the industry,” said Porche-Smith.
In other news: The Atlanta Community Food Bank received a $50,000 grant from the Morgan Stanley Foundation to fund its School Pantry Program, a child-hunger initiative that helps to make sure low-income families have a readily accessible source of healthy food to prepare at home. Employees from local branches presented the check and volunteered at the Food Bank as part of Morgan Stanley’s “Feeding Kids Around the Clock” initiative, a full day of activities across the globe to help the fight against childhood hunger.
UPCOMING
Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber luncheon with Dunwoody High School Principal Tom McFerrin. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday. $15 to $25. Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber, 41 Perimeter Center E., Suite 225, Dunwoody. Lunch will be catered by Taziki’s and hosted by the chamber’s Partners in Education and Workforce Development Council.
McFerrin will review the 2016-17 school year and give a forecast of the 2017-18 year, discussing ways to best engage and shape tomorrow’s workforce today. Those attending will be encouraged to give comments and ask questions. Register: business.PerimeterChamber.com. 678-244-9700, PerimeterChamber.com.
“Fall Prevention As We Age” by Dr. Steven Wolf. 9 a.m. Saturday. Free. Picnic tables, Frazier-Rowe Park, 2886 Lavista Road, Decatur. frazier-rowepark. weebly.com.
CASA Volunteer Informational Session at DeKalb County Juvenile Court. 6:30-7:30 p.m. June 13. Free. Gregory A. Adams Juvenile Justice Center, 4309 Memorial Drive, Decatur. Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers are trained by DeKalb County CASA and then appointed by the Chief Judge of DeKalb County Juvenile Court to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Volunteers must attend an informational session and complete a screening interview before beginning training. Interviews will be scheduled at the meeting. 404-378-0038, DeKalbCASA.org.
Rain Barrel Workshop by Keep DeKalb Beautiful. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. $10. Mason Mill Park, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur. The session will use kits and recycled barrels, and participants will take home a completed project to harvest roof runoff, which can be used to irrigate landscape plants or gardens. Only 1 inch of rain on a 1,000-square-foot roof provides 623 gallons of water. Register: Keep DeKalb Beautiful at 404-298-4080. DeKalbWatershed. com, DeKalbCountyGa.gov/beautification/Keep-DeKalb-Beautiful.