Press Release

The Charlie Trotter Culinary Education Foundation Announces Annual $25,000 Donation to the American Culinary Federation

St. Augustine, Fla., July 16, 2008 - Charlie Trotter, chef/proprietor, Charlie Trotter's, Chicago, announced, on behalf of the Charlie Trotter Culinary Education Foundation, an annual $25,000 donation to the American Culinary Federation Foundation. Trotter was the keynote speaker July 14 during General Session at the 2008 ACF National Convention in Las Vegas.

"ACF appreciates the generosity of the Charlie Trotter Culinary Education Foundation for its annual donation," said John Kinsella, CMC, CCE, WGMC, AAC, ACF national president. "ACF is honored to be recognized by Chef Trotter and the foundation. This contribution will help ACF advance the culinary industry across the nation."

The Charlie Trotter Culinary Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that awards scholarships to students seeking careers in the culinary arts. The foundation works with Chicago-area youth to promote the quest for education as well as interest in cooking and food. To date, the foundation has raised more than $1 million. The foundation hosts dinners three times a week for Chicago-area high school students, providing them with an opportunity to tour the restaurant, dine in the studio kitchen and speak to restaurant employees.

For more than 20 years, Charlie Trotter's, Chicago, has been regarded as one of the finest restaurants in the world. Trotter, a member of ACF National Chapter, is a restaurant founder, author, TV host and philanthropist. He was inducted into the American Academy of Chefs Culinary Hall of Fame as a Celebrated Chef at the 2008 ACF National Convention in Las Vegas, July 13. He has devoted his life to all things culinary. He is the author of 14 cookbooks, including his two newest books, Workin' More Kitchen Sessions with Charlie Trotter and RAW. He is also the host of the nationally aired, award-winning PBS cooking series, The Kitchen Sessions with Charlie Trotter. Trotter has many philanthropic ties to a vast number of national and international charities. In 2005, he was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year award by the International Association of Culinary Professionals for his overall service to the community.

The American Culinary Federation, Inc., established in 1929, is the premier professional organization for culinarians in North America. With more than 21,500 members spanning 230 chapters nationwide, ACF is the culinary leader in offering educational resources, training, apprenticeship and accreditation. In addition, ACF operates the most comprehensive certification program for chefs in the United States. ACF is home to ACF Culinary Team USA, the official representative for the United States in major international culinary competitions. For more information, visit www.acfchefs.org.

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Contact: Patricia Carroll
Communications Director
(800) 624-9458, ext. 147
pcarroll@acfchefs.net

Leah Spellman
Public Relations Specialist
(800) 624-9458, ext. 113
lspellman@acfchefs.net

• The Charlie Trotter Culinary Education Foundation Announces Annual $25,000 Donation to the American Culinary Federation