Events
College Supports Western N.C. Hospitality Industry
RALEIGH, N.C. (December 4, 2024) – Months after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, many hotels and restaurants in the mountains still have not reopened – and some never will. The Wake Tech Baking & Pastry Arts program, in partnership with the Wake Tech Foundation, has raised $13,300 for hospitality workers in western North Carolina affected by the hurricane.
The money was raised at a special dinner in the baking kitchens at Wake Tech’s Scott Northern Wake Campus.
"This was a labor of love," said Chef Caralyn House, director of the Baking & Pastry Arts program. "We wanted to support our peers in the hospitality industry who are still trying to get back on their feet after the devastating storm."
The November 15 "Meal to Heal" featured gourmet appetizers and a special dinner prepared and served by college's culinary and baking faculty. More than 75 people purchased tickets for the dinner and supported the cause through a silent auction. The funds raised were donated to the NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund, organized by the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association.
"We're glad to do a small part to assist the many hospitality workers who have found themselves without jobs at this particularly challenging time of year," said Matt Smith, vice president of development at Wake Tech. "Just as we're grateful when the community supports Wake Tech and its students, now is the time for us to support others."
Wake Tech is also joining other community colleges across the state that are stepping up to help take care of their own. assist those Donations are being accepted for the North Carolina Community College System's Hurricane Relief Fund to support those western North Carolina community colleges that are still trying to resume operations after Hurricane Helene.
