TORONTO — It was described as a “celebration of vision.” More than 150 foodservice industry executives congregated in the foyer of George Brown College’s downtown Toronto campus on May 18, to mark the culmination of the “Say Yes!” fundraising initiative.
The campaign, which has spanned three years and raised more than $5 million in the process, has helped transform GBC into one of the most important and influential culinary learning centres in the country.
Speaking to a crowd of well wishers, many of whom supported the campaign, John Walker, dean of Hospitality, thanked the community for coming together to fund the landmark expansion project, especially in light of the difficult economic times during which much of the campaign took place. “We’sre thrilled that we’sve achieved our goal and could not have done it without the significant and continued support from our friends and industry partners,” said Walker.
To mark the occasion, Walker unveiled a Donor Wall, which acknowledged the contributions of several foodservice and hospitality corporations, including Kostuch Publications Limited.
When the fundraising drive began in earnest back in 2007, the hospitality industry was enjoying the fruits of heady days, but a year later, the economy plummeted and getting donors committed to the project became more challenging. Still, the team led by Michael Beckley, vice-president of Marriott Hotels & Resorts Canada, and Donna Dooher, owner of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, persevered and, three years later, the benefits of that influx of capital is clearly evident at George Brown.
The revamped school boasts a mix of innovative culinary, mixology and sommelier labs, simulation and project rooms, an e-learning centre and state-of-the-art bake labs. Additionally, the funds helped the school showcase a unique student-training restaurant called the Chef’s House, which puts students front and centre by providing them with important hands-on experience in the world of restaurants.
TORONTO — It was described as a “celebration of vision.” More than 150 foodservice industry executives congregated in the foyer of George Brown College’s downtown Toronto campus on May 18, to mark the culmination of the “Say Yes!” fundraising initiative.
The campaign, which has spanned three years and raised more than $5 million in the process, has helped transform GBC into one of the most important and influential culinary learning centres in the country.
Speaking to a crowd of well wishers, many of whom supported the campaign, John Walker, dean of Hospitality, thanked the community for coming together to fund the landmark expansion project, especially in light of the difficult economic times during which much of the campaign took place.
“We’sre thrilled that we’sve achieved our goal and could not have done it without the significant and continued support from our friends and industry partners,” said Walker.
To mark the occasion, Walker unveiled a Donor Wall, which acknowledged the contributions of several foodservice and hospitality companies, including Kostuch Publications Limited.
When the fundraising drive began in earnest back in 2007, the hospitality industry was enjoying the fruits of heady days, but a year later, the economy plummeted and getting donors committed to the project became much more challenging. Still, the team led by Michael Beckley, vice-president of Marriott Hotels & Resorts Canada, and Donna Dooher, owner of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen restaurant, persevered and, three years later, the benefits of that influx of capital is clearly evident at George Brown.
The revamped school boasts a mix of innovative culinary, mixology and sommelier labs, simulation and project rooms, an e-learning centre and state-of-the-art bake labs. Additionally, the funds helped the school showcase a unique student-training restaurant called the Chef’s House, which puts students front and centre by providing them with important hands-on experience in the world of restaurants.
