WINNIPEG, MB – You’ve heard the phrase ‘too many cooks in the kitchen’ – but for one day next month, the more cooks the better.

On Tuesday November 7, Red River College’s School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts (SHCA) is hosting an Inaugural Homecoming Dinner for alumni of its Hospitality and Tourism Management, Culinary Arts, and Professional Baking programs.

The event will celebrate the achievements of the school’s graduates while fundraising for the Student Travel Opportunity Fund, which will help Culinary Arts and Professional Baking students travel to national and international competitions, and will give new and exciting learning opportunities to Hospitality and Tourism Management students where they can demonstrate and grow their skills.

The fund has recently allowed two Professional Baking students to attend a four week-long course in Germany and for six Culinary Arts students to participate in the Cook the Books competition in Toronto.

“Participating in competitions motivates students to strengthen their technical skills, learn new techniques, and practice at elevated skill levels,” said Karen McDonald, Academic Chair for the SHCA. “Our programs are strengthened when students can participate in high-level competition, and bring back new skills they’re eager to share in the culinary labs. Similarly, students in Hospitality and Tourism programs benefit from educational travel by experiencing local cultures.”

As is demonstrated on OLN Canada’s show Departures – visiting a new country or region allows opportunities to develop deeper inter-cultural understandings, “which is essential to global citizenship and for individuals working in hospitality and tourism to be able to provide the best possible customer service,” said Laura Wiebe, tourism instructor at the SHCA.

“Travel in general opens one’s eyes to life beyond your personal experience; it’s our intention to provide those awe-inspiring opportunities for students that are simply beyond the classroom,” said McDonald.

The homecoming dinner will include an eight course dinner prepared by students and alumni guest chefs. Tickets are available on eventbrite.

Your light-used cookbooks are needed!

While the primary aim of the event is to celebrate the achievements of graduates, the SHCA is seeking donated cookbooks to sell at the event in order to replenish the Student Travel Opportunity Fund.

“There’s something satisfying about flipping the pages of a cookbook,” says Cassandra Watson, hospitality instructor and Homecoming Dinner co-chair. “Cookbooks tell stories through their photographs, and how the recipes are organized to complement each other. Not only is the fundraiser a good cause, I’m confident our attendees will sincerely appreciate the inspiration.”

Cookbooks can be dropped off at the security desk at the Main Street entrance of Paterson GlobalFoods Institute at 504 Main St. in Winnipeg between 7am and 9pm Monday to Friday until November 3.

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This release is distributed on behalf of Red River College’s School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts.