Coca-Cola Firm donates US$1.5M to the NRAEF
The Coca-Cola Company is committed to preparing the next generation of restaurant managers for meaningful jobs and careers in the restaurant and food service industry
The National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF) announced that The Coca-Cola Company has pledged $ 1.5M / £ 1.12M to help prepare the next generation of restaurant managers for meaningful jobs and careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Coca-Cola has been a major NRAEF donor for 18 years and has contributed a record $ 15M / £ 11.2M.
At the heart of the company's commitment to the foundation is ProStart, a career and technical education program that reaches 150,000 students pursuing careers in culinary arts and restaurant management. Every year Coca-Cola supports the foundation in hosting the National ProStart Invitational and awards grants of over USD 100,000 / GBP 75,000 to the winning teams.
Coca-Cola has also offered internships to ProStart students, and for the first time this year, it hosted a virtual coaching session and competition where students demonstrated their presentation skills and competed for prizes.
Earlier this year, in response to the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on restaurant workers across the country, Coca-Cola made a generous donation to the NRAEF's Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, which raised over $ 21.5 million / £ 16.1 million for the provision of restaurant workers in the US raised $ 500 / £ 375 in grants during the pandemic.
"Our partnership with Coca-Cola has directly benefited the lives of thousands of young people who have futures in our industry," said Rob Gifford, President of NRAEF. “Your renewed investment and support for our work, especially in such challenging times, is truly remarkable. We look forward to continuing to work with Coca-Cola to create opportunities for the restaurant managers of today and tomorrow. "
"NRAEF is a leader in attracting, empowering and developing the workforce in our industry," said Kristin Bitter, vice president of industry affairs for The Coca-Cola Company.
“More than ever, we need well-trained, innovative and committed employees who are ready and willing to help the restaurant and hospitality industry get back on its feet. The Coca-Cola Company's goal is to freshen the world and make a difference. In this regard, we share the NRAEF's mission to change lives and uplift communities, and we pride ourselves on being their best supporters. "
