(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – Chef Kevin Bell has joined Gulfstream Goodwill Industries (GGI) as its first ever Executive Chef. In his new role, Chef Bell oversees GGI’s newest social enterprise, Good Grub, and its catering and mobile kitchen operations. According to the nonprofit’s CEO, Keith Kennedy, Chef Bell will provide structure and a curriculum for those with intellectual disabilities by providing real work exercises within the hospitality industry. “Good Grub provides paid training and opportunities for employment in the hospitality industry to those with a barrier to employment,” said Kennedy. “We recently built a state-of-the-art culinary training kitchen that will allow our Career Academy Charter School students to receive industry-recognized credentials through Chef Bell’s expertise. We are thrilled to welcome Kevin to our team. He will be an invaluable asset to Good Grub and will bring a whole new level of culinary training to our students. Kevin is ready to make some Good Grub that will be prepared for a purpose to inspire and make others smile through food!” Gulfstream Goodwill Industries’ mission is to change lives through housing, training, education and employment, while assisting people with disabilities and other barriers to employment to become self-sufficient, working members of the South Florida community. It is the most significant health and human services organization in its five-county region which includes Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties. It is also the largest homelessness provider in its territory.
“I look forward to building a program that can sustain job placement for individuals with disabilities after graduation from GGI’s Career Academy,” said Chef Bell. “We provide a working environment through our catering and mobile kitchen enterprises that will help them gain experience for future endeavors. To be able to watch someone reach past their goals and surpass something they never thought would be possible for them is priceless. At Gulfstream Goodwill Industries we are a team that is all focused on the same goal and we are willing to take the necessary steps to help others be successful. This really hits home for me, and I am so happy to join an organization that is truly making a difference in the community.” Chef Bell began his culinary journey at Assaggi Bistro, formerly located in downtown Ferndale, Michigan, where he learned rustic Italian and country French cuisine with a touch of Lebanese influence. From there, he went to the Townsend Hotel, a four-star hotel that was named among the “World’s Best Hotels” by Travel + Leisure Magazine and Conde Nast among the “World’s Best Places to stay.” In 2012 Chef Bell headed south to Houston, Texas, where he joined Spectrum Catering, Concessions, and Events; one of the nation’s largest catering companies that service major festivals, PGA Tour events, Cirque du Soleil and custom catering. Chef Bell then became Executive Chef of Wicked Whisk Catering, the local high-end division of Spectrum, and eventually co-lead the division. Chef Bell was raised in Michigan and earned his Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts degree at the Culinary Art Institute of Michigan. When he isn’t busy cooking, he loves to podcast, play guitar and hike. He currently resides in West Palm Beach with his three children. Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches provides education, training and career pathways that promote self-sufficiency and independence. It is a public charter school chartered by The School District of Palm Beach County and managed by Gulfstream Goodwill Industries. The Career Academy primarily comprises special diploma post-graduates and students who deferred graduation, ages 16-21. The Career Academy provides individuals with the skills necessary for adult life so that each individual will be an independent, self-sufficient and contributing community member. For more information on GGI programming, Good Grub, Career Academy or to make a donation, please visit goggi.org or call 561-848-7200. Comments are closed.
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ABOUTExploring what to see and do in North Palm Beach and the South Florida area. Your hosts are Pam and Gerry Barker. GERRY PRONOUNCED GARYArchives
May 2024
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