ehs culinary 2019Over $35,000 was raised during the fourth annual fundraiser for the Estero High School at the Shadow Wood Country Club on Monday, December 16, 2019. These monies will be used to enhance the culinary and arts programs at the school in the coming year.

The event began with a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres being passed throughout the crowd.

On the sun-draped patio, 170 guests watched culinary students demonstrate their cooking skills and viewed various articles of student artwork, all while being entertained by chamber music performed by the students.

Dinner featured filet mignon with a truffle mushroom demi-glace accompanied by a signature salad and a trio dessert.

A Live Auction was conducted by Auctioneer Rick Gallo and NBC-2’s morning anchor Rachel Pierce; there was also a Silent Auction.

ehs art 2019Since 2016, the funds generated from this event have led to a total transformation of the program and facilities.  Students now have access to the tools and equipment that are used in the industry, participate in events throughout the community and compete at the state level.

Many current and former students have taken advantage of these resources and have gone on to secure employment at local restaurants, attend culinary school and place first and second in state competition.

One of the goals of this program is to keep students in this area by providing them with the tools necessary to find good jobs.

This annual event is supported by many volunteers led by District 6 Councilmember Nick Batos who serves as the Council liaison to the Lee County School District.