On the evening of March 9, Reconcile New Orleans celebrated its second graduation of 2010 as eleven more students completed the Café Reconcile Program.  The café was packed as the ceremony started with a welcome from one of the night’s graduates, Geneka Jackson.

Geneka was followed by Café Reconcile Business Manager and the night’s emcee, Judy Lewis –Wallace, who offered a prayer for our graduates and their continued success.  Craig Cuccia, founder of Reconcile New Orleans, followed with a history of the organization.  He ended his remarks by telling the students to have confidence and take the time to build up others as they continue to improve themselves.  Cynthia Liggins-Thomas, a volunteer at the Café, sang “God Loves You.”  The lyrics of the song remind us that there will be tough times ahead but with faith and belief we can get through the adversity.

Derricka Sanchez, another of the night’s graduates introduced the night’s keynote speaker, Jerome Jupiter.  Mr. Jupiter is Director of Educational Services at the NOPLAY GED and Literacy Program.  NOPLAY is where Reconcile New Orleans students go to work towards their GED.  Mr. Jupiter explained his three ingredients of success: support, opportunity, and reinforcement.  Mr. Jupiter’s speech explained how with the support of family and friends and opportunity from the larger society everyone has an opportunity to be successful.  Once you are successful it is your own responsibility to sustain your success because you now possess the necessary tools.

The Certificates of Achievement were given out by Programs Director Donna Bowie and General Manager of Café Reconcile, David Giardina.  After the students received their certificates, Wilbert Gerard reflected on his experiences in the program.  He spoke about what the program meant to him, what he learned, and how his life and prospects for the future changed for the better.  Wilbert is now the Lead Sauté Chef at the Rib Room, the restaurant of the Omni Royal Hotel.  The evening ended with Donna Bowie wishing the graduates the best for their bright futures.

Congratulations to our eleven graduates: Passion, Joshua, Ronnisha, Wilbert, Geneka, Chris, Nyeshia, Taiwan, Derricka, Shawn, and Edwin!

Last week we were treated to a demonstration by Orlando Harris, Sous Chef at Café Adelaide. Chef Orlando has worked in some of the top restaurants in New Orleans, including Delmonico, Bacco, and Commander’s Palace. In addition to demonstrating how to make White Chocolate Buttermilk Biscuit Bread Pudding, Chef Orlando spoke about his life journey, including how he overcame many of the same obstacles that our students face. Chef Orlando was joined by Ray Bruce, the Director of Human Resources for the Loews Hotel.

Chef Orlando told the students that he knows what it’s like to be in their shoes. He dropped out of high school and did not know what kind of future awaited him. He also struggled with addiction. He realized a natural skill with the culinary arts and started pursuing his interest in the field, first a basic certification course and then a degree from Delgado’s Culinary School. Chef Orlando completed his formal education with a degree from The International Culinary School from the Art Institute of Atlanta. Orlando did not have a high school degree, but he now had a college degree. Mr. Bruce said that you will not meet anyone more passionate about cooking than Orlando’s. Even with all of the success he has enjoyed, Orlando continues to spend many of his days off studying the field, and further expanding his knowledge of the culinary arts. He came to Café Reconcile on his day off because he understands the importance of the choice Reconcile’s students are making to improve their lives.

Chef Orlando showed our students his White Chocolate Buttermilk Biscuit Bread Pudding, which is topped with a root beer sauce. It was an interesting experience for the students because it showed them that heating root beer with corn syrup changes the flavors and adds complexity to the dish. Chef Orlando also showed the students how to finely chiffonade mint to add to the presentation of the dish. The students raved about the taste of the dish and expressed that they wanted to experiment with foods and drinks that they didn’t think you could cook with.

Thank you, Chef Orlando and Mr. Bruce, for sharing your experience and your passion with our students. Your story inspired us, showing us how with hard work and determination lead to success.

Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Melody Barnes, along with Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu and Tulane University President Scott Cowen, posed with the staff of Café Reconcile in New Orleans. Check out The White House Blog and see what a New Orleans nonprofit can teach the rest of the country!

Join Cafe Reconcile and Zach Strief on December 10th for a “Big Night Out”.

Dear Friends,

I’d like to tell you about a very special place, Cafe Reconcile. Located in Central City, Café Reconcile is a non-profit organization that provides culinary and life skills training for young adults from at-risk communities who one day hope to enter the New Orleans hospitality and entertainment industry. Mandy and I first met the students and staff of Café Reconcile this summer. We were immediately drawn to their hopeful attitudes and genuine desire for achievement. We were impressed, inspired, and ultimately determined to support this organization.

On Thursday, December 10, 2009 Dream Big will host the first annual “Big Night Out,” a benefit for Café Reconcile. The event, presented by smartwater and to be held at Generations Hall, will feature food, cocktails, a silent auction, entertainment and appearances by your favorite New Orleans Saints. Tickets are $35 per person, or $60 per couple. For tickets, to donate items to our silent auction or to become a sponsor, email dreambignola@gmail.com or call Mandy at 504.343.2864.

Please join us in making dreams–big or small– come true.

DREAM BIG NOLA,
ZACH

Visit Dreambignola.com for more details