Montgomery County Restaurant Association Raises $9K for Culinary Arts

The Woodlands, Texas (March 26, 2013)  The Montgomery County Restaurant Association (MCRA) recently held its third annual CASINO NIGHT and raised over $9K for the Culinary Arts Program.  Designed to prepare students for future opportunities, internships and careers throughout Montgomery County, both students and restaurant owners are discovering mutually beneficial partnerships resulting from the program.

“As one of the newest chapters of the Texas Restaurant Association, we are fortunate that Montgomery County is one of the fastest growing areas in Texas,” said Terry McBumey, Principal of Republic Payment Systems and President Elect of MCRA. “With so many restaurants in this area and new ones coming, the CASINO NIGHT is a great way for some of the restaurateurs to give through the MCRA to support a future, more educated workforce from a local basis. All the money raised by MCRA in various fundraisers throughout this year will go to support the new Montgomery County Culinary Arts Education Programs.

“MCRA assisted in providing the Texas ProStart program from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation that prepares students for careers in the restaurant and food service industry. The new state of the art facility and this program through Conroe Independent School District (CISD) will enable interested junior and senior students to get a head start to building careers in the hospitality industry,” McBurney said. “Many of these students will be providing high quality service in local restaurants.  Even if they just to work while in school or while they attend college, it will prepare them for a much better opportunity than they would have without the training. They can also take these skills to their own kitchen.”

Professional skills related to employability, customer service, and the dining experience are reinforced and practiced through the Culinary Skills Program. Students have an opportunity to pursue certifications like the Food Handler’s Certification and ServSafe Certification along with others that will enhance opportunities for employment. The Culinary Arts Program I is offered on home campuses to 10th and 11th grade students who have completed Restaurant Management or Lifetime Wellness & Nutrition. The Culinary Arts Program II will be offered to 11th and 12th grade students at Conroe High School.

For more information about the Montgomery County Restaurant Association, visit www.GMCRA.org