The Made in New Orleans (MiNO) Foundation will host an event on Thursday, Oct. 18, to commemorate the “re-birth” of the New Orleans-based nonprofit (formerly known as Chefs Move!), and to celebrate alumni of the organization’s scholarship program – a program that fosters young local talent and raises funds to send minority applicants to the International Culinary Center.
The event will also introduce MiNO’s new executive director – Lauren Darnell.
“I am humbled to be in this position and thrilled to offer opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. As the culture of the kitchen and of restaurants is transforming, I am honored to serve and equip others to traverse the challenges,” says Lauren Darnell, who has dedicated her ten-year career in the nonprofit sector to working with young men and women. “New Orleans has a unique and rich cultural history of service and food, and MiNO is leading the charge to inclusively provide mentorship, educational opportunities, and consistent support to lead spaces that have historically been exclusive. We aim to build a local and national network of chefs and chefs of color to mentor and share best practices and to continue to learn, grow, and build community in New Orleans and beyond."
The MiNO Foundation connects New Orleans adolescents and young adults to opportunities in the culinary arts field, via mentorship and education.
The celebration on Oct. 18 takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Felicity Church (1220 Felicity St., New Orleans, LA 70130). It's sponsored by BRG Hospitality, Mountain Valley Spring Water, NOLA Brewing Company, and Seven Three Distillery. Tickets for the event, which will feature a menu catered by alumni scholarship recipients, are $100.
The patron party happens from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and features a special menu catered by Chef Todd Pulsinelli of Warbucks restaurant, which will soon open on Magazine Street. Tickets are $200.
