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About Us Dear Friends of the Culinary Arts, The Culinary Endowment & Scholarship non-profit organization now has a new name, Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship, as a tribute to the man who was hailed as the world’s most famous pastry chef and caterer of our era. Gaston LeNôtre, who passed away on January 8, 2009 at the age of 88, taught his apprentices never to compromise on quality, to strive for perfection, and to pass on the knowledge and skills of artisan craftsmanship to future generations. Not only did Gaston LeNôtre revolutionize the art of catering and pastry making, he also played a major role in defining “nouvelle patisserie”, creating light and delicate desserts through modern techniques. Renowned chefs Alain Ducasse, Michel Richard, and Pierre Herme, to name a few, studied under the master in Paris. In addition to his exquisite taste and professional “savoir faire”, Gaston LeNôtre always challenged conventional wisdom by making bold moves. Among the list of his achievements are: the first chain of upscale pastry shops in Paris with a central kitchen, the first French professional chef re-training school, the first line of gourmet, frozen desserts distributed all over France, the first international French pastry-bakery shop franchise network, and a line of recipe books translated into English, German, Danish, and Japanese with more than a million copies sold. Gaston LeNôtre was liked for his warm personality, while still maintaining impeccable standards. It was his attention to detail which made him the official caterer of French presidents, prime ministers, foreign affairs ministers, and corporations such as Christian Dior, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Hermes, Cartier, etc. He also catered for kings, and celebrities all over the world. In January 2009 in a press communiqué, French President Nicolas Sarkozy called Gaston LeNôtre “one of the greatest masters of taste.” The Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship wants to ensure that the heritage of this legend in gastronomy lives on, by supporting “student-chefs” that strive for excellence, inspired by Chef Gaston LeNôtre and all that he offered to the culinary arts world. November 11, 2011 is our next Champagne & Chocolat Gala, benefiting the Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship. Be part of the cause. Be part of the legacy! Merci! Our Mission The Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship’s mission is to grow an endowment and raise funds for scholarships, to make accessible quality, hands-on training and culinary expertise to underprivileged students aspiring to a rewarding career. The Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, operating in Houston, Texas since 2001 to provide tuition scholarships to students pursuing hands-on training in the culinary arts. Scholarships are awarded to students based upon (1) financial need, and (2) academic and professional merit. Scholarship disbursements range from $500 to $2,000 and are awarded four times annually.  |
Our History The Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship was created in March 2001 by Marie LeNôtre to support high quality education in the culinary arts. Many students applying for culinary school have a difficult time paying for their education. They apply for federal loans, borrow money from family and friends and apply for private loans, yet they are still unable to attain the necessary tuition to pursue their educational goals. Marie LeNôtre and Randy Fournier, President of the Houston Food and Beverage Managers Association, decided that these deserving students should be provided with the tools necessary to achieve their goals. The primary source of scholarship funds is acquired through our annual fundraising gala, Champagne and Chocolat. This black-tie gourmet dinner gala has become a trademark event. It features a champagne reception, a raffle, a silent auction, sugar and chocolate demonstration, Can-Can dance performance and musical entertainment. The gala attracts many affluent individuals and successful businesses that have a vested interest in philanthropy, gourmet dining, and education. In 2001, Marie LeNôtre organized the first charity gala that raised $45,000. Slowly but surely the 2006 gala raised more than $100,000. But the most amazing year for this organization was 2008, the gala which managed to raise a total of $140,000. Because of the generosity and commitment of all of our donors, sponsors and friends, more than 120 tuition scholarships and a total of $130,000 has been disbursed so far to worthy students in need of tuition funds. |
Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship, Inc |
Phone: 713.358.5051 |