Ecolab is helping to provide students with the opportunity to develop valuable industry skills by raising money for the NRAEF.
During the 14th Annual Ecolab Chairman’s Reception in May 22, which was held in conjunction with the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago, Ecolab Inc. helped to raise more than $187,000 for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).
More than 750 leaders from the restaurant and foodservice industry attended the gala event, which supports the NRAEF ProStart program, a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and industry to develop students seeking professions in the restaurant and foodservice industry.
“Each year, the NRAEF ProStart program benefits more than 118,000 students across 48 states, developing the industry’s future leaders,” said Ecolab chairman and CEO Douglas Baker Jr. “We take great pride in this annual event, which unites the industry to support NRAEF’s work to develop skills and facilitate opportunities for students across the country.”
During the event, Baker and Michael Hickey, Ecolab executive vice president and president, Global Institutional, and past-chair of the NRAEF board of trustees, presented Dawn Sweeney, NRA and NRAEF president and CEO, and Rob Gifford, NRA and NRAEF executive vice president of Strategic Operations and Philanthropy, and Lorna Donatone, chair of the NRAEF board of trustees, with a check for $187,464 on behalf of Ecolab and event attendees.
“Ecolab has been a steadfast supporter of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and ProStart, both financially and through the commitment of Ecolab employees who meaningfully connect with ProStart programs throughout the nation,” said Sweeney. “We are grateful to Ecolab for their investment in the future of the restaurant industry as we seek to interest and educate young people in career pathways that can lead to work and life success.”
Through this annual event, Ecolab has helped raise more than $1.5 million for the NRAEF and ProStart program.