The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Atlanta joins in the fight for stronger babies; Culinary Class raises over $8,700 for March of Dimes

Chef Bill Lipscomb’s class at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Atlanta dazzled members of the community with their culinary talents in a series of food fundraisers that brought in over $8,700 to benefit the March of Dimes.

Each year the culinary class raises funds for a local charity. The class votes and the top beneficiary receives proceeds from all of the fundraising efforts. The March of Dimes was selected as this year’s charity of choice, as several members of the class had a personal connection to the mission of the March of Dimes – ensuring that one day, every baby is born healthy by preventing premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.

Students execute each and every event themselves and chose to have fundraisers ranging from a wine dinner to a cook out. “This was their show,” said Chef Bill.

Roberto Barth, a student in the class, said that he was “proud to contribute, as a team, to a great cause in the local community.”

He also said that this served as an opportunity for the students to pool their culinary knowledge and have a chance to shine at what they do best.

“All of the fundraisers brought everyone together. We poured everything we’ve learned into the meal. It was our chance to show off….to show everyone what we’ve learned by executing the meal start to finish.”

Fundraising took place in conjunction with Atlanta’s Downtown March for Babies, the March of Dimes’ largest annual fundraising event. This year’s Walk was held on Saturday, April 28th at the Georgia World Congress Center. Over 17,000 residents joined together and raised more than $1.25 million to help babies be born healthy. Special guests at the event included Shaquille O’Neal, the 2012 March for Babies Celebrity Ambassador, and Kieran Wittstruck, the 2012 March of Dimes National Ambassador.

About the March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
###