If you've ever read any of Tony Bourdain's books (Kitchen Confidential in particular) you know a career in cooking is is good way to get a kid off the streets. Good logic not just stateside, but worldwide. Koto is a "social enterprise" that teaches kids culinary skills for a restaurant career - in Vietnam. Full press release and Thursday night's party info after the jump.
U.S. Organization Launches to Help Provide Street Kids in Vietnam with Hospitality Careers
KOTO USA Builds on a Social Enterprise Model that Works
NEW YORK, May 2007—“If you know one, you must teach one” is the motto Jimmy Pham adopted in 1999 when founding Know One, Teach One (KOTO) in Hanoi. KOTO enrolls Vietnamese street kids and disadvantaged youth in an internationally accredited hospitality program that allows them to transition from poverty and life on the streets to successful careers. After years of involvement in Vietnam, New York-based hospitality management consultant Neal Bermas, Ph.D., and a group of culinary industry leaders is launching KOTO USA as a U.S. affiliate organization.
KOTO USA, a 501(c)(3) organization, will offer expertise and financial support to KOTO Hanoi, raising funds and awareness throughout the United States, starting with a launch fundraiser on June 28 in New York. KOTO USA also plans on helping to establish KOTO programs throughout Southeast Asia.
KOTO students spend 18 months learning hospitality skills and English, in classrooms but also in the kitchen: KOTO operates one of Hanoi’s most successful, yet non-profit, restaurants, where the students train to gain practical experience Students earn an internationally recognized certificate in restaurant hospitality. KOTO USA will offer some of these students the opportunity to intern in American restaurants and food service establishments.
“As the tourism industry grows throughout the developing countries of Southeast Asia, so does the need for well trained hospitality professionals,” Bermas said. “KOTO is an ideal program to assist such growth, as kids taken off the streets and placed in a supportive, career-building environment will take care not only of themselves but also their families, succeeding in the difficult transition to self- sufficiency.”
KOTO USA’s Advisory Board includes members of Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), Rosa Mexicano, New York University’s Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, and the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York City, Google in California, Brandeis University in Massachusetts, and the Greenwich Art Council in Connecticut.
Bermas, on the faculty of both NYU and the Institute of Culinary Education, is an operating partner at his own restaurant in Colorado, and also an independent hospitality management consultant with clients that range from the Walt Disney Company, to Le Meridien, to an array of independent U.S. operations. He became involved with KOTO Hanoi after visiting the organization in 2003.
KOTO USA’s launch fundraiser, open to the media and the public, will take place on Thursday, June 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at ICE in New York, in partnership with Union Square Hospitality Group, Rosa Mexicano, and Dumante liqueur. Admission is $40, tax-deductible to the extent permissible by law, with suggested purchase of additional raffle tickets to win $250 American Express dining certificates and more. Among other things, you will feast on Rosa Mexicano’s award-winning guacamole with signature pomegranate margaritas; barbecue, beer and mouth-watering desserts from Danny Meyer’s Blue Smoke; and cocktails by Dumante Liqueur. A silent auction will feature gourmet gift baskets from Chef's Warehouse, premium specialty liquors, dinner at Rosa Mexicano, a Greenmarket walking tour, lunch with Saveur editor-in-chief, gift certificates for USGH restaurants and for kitchenware, a Vietnamese cooking party, and more. Dumante Liqueur is also sponsoring a recipe contest for the occasion, the winners of which will be announced during the party.
For more information on KOTO USA, visit www.koto-usa.org.
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Just a quick note to say hi and, as a former KOTO employee, to tell you what an incredible organisation it is and it deserves as many people's support as possible.
Posted by: ourman | June 25, 2007 at 05:01 PM
The KOTO USA launch was a great success, expected 50, and had over 100! Lots of foodies, Chefs and NYC restauranteurs of renown. We're on our way.
Jennifer - We missed you at the event, hope you'll keep an eye and a blog out for us. - Neal
Posted by: Neal Bermas | July 04, 2007 at 01:42 PM