On October 10, 2024, leading Canadian chefs transformed the Waterfront Campus into a nexus of gastronomic innovation for social change at the George Brown College (GBC) Foundation's 11th Annual Food Court Social. A powerful catalyst for transformative education, the fundraiser blends culinary excellence with a profound commitment to social responsibility.
The 2024 Food Court Social coincided with the Foundation's 40th anniversary and attracted 50 prominent sponsors and more than 650 guests to celebrate the occasion. Led by co-chairs Ray Williams, Chair and Co-Founder of the Black Opportunities Fund and former Vice Chair of the National Bank, and Damon Murchison, President and CEO of IG Wealth Management, and hosted by GBC Alumni Chef and TV personality Chef Devan Rajkumar, the highly successful event raised crucial funds to support Augmented Education programs.
Supporting Augmented Education Programs
A cornerstone of the Foundation's fundraising efforts, the Food Court Social directly funds GBC's Augmented Education Program, an initiative that has been changing lives since 2004. Developed in collaboration with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, this innovative program offers tuition-free, job-focused training in Culinary Arts or Construction Craftwork to individuals overcoming mental health and addiction challenges.
To date, 566 graduates have completed the programs, empowering them to reintegrate and contribute meaningfully to the community.
Culinary stars donate time and skills
The 2024 lineup read like a who's who of Toronto's culinary scene, featuring an impressive roster of more than 30 renowned chefs and alumni, including GBC's Chef David Wolfman, Chef Jay Jones from the JOEY Restaurant Group, and Chef Stephanie Duong from Roselle Desserts. The event showcased a brilliant fusion of flavours, from the avant-garde creations of Chef Missy Hui (And / Ore) to the authentic Thai cuisine of Chef "Ko" Chatsuda (Isaan Der), offering a microcosm of Toronto's diverse culinary landscape.
A Recipe for Success
As guests indulged in exquisite dishes and curated beverage pairings, they became part of a larger narrative one of resilience, opportunity, and the transformative power of education. The Food Court Social is not just an event but a testament to what can be achieved when culinary excellence is aligned with social responsibility.
Beyond the food, the event offered networking opportunities for industry professionals, sponsors, and alumni. With interactive activations, live entertainment, and a silent auction, the Food Court Social delivered a multifaceted experience that engaged all senses.
"This program digs deep into who we are as people and what we want to achieve. It then enhances those attributes and abilities not only to get the best out of you and your work, and to find the job that best suits you, but also makes you love what we do and how we do it."
Tineke Oliveira, Construction Craft Worker Foundations Program
"The staff (in Augmented Education) are so helpful and know how to motivate you without it feeling pushy. They are so patient and help you work through any problem without hesitation or judgment. I felt truly supported and I am so grateful for them because they made my experience so great."
Lucas Dutton, Culinary Skills Program
Investing in the future
As Toronto's culinary landscape evolves, the fundraiser stands as a beacon of innovation, inclusivity, and social responsibility. It showcases the best of the city's food scene and is actively shaping its future by investing in the next generation of culinary and construction professionals.
"One of the greatest privileges I possess as president of George Brown is witnessing how community collectively uplifts. The Augmented Education program gives individuals in our community a leg up and not only equips them with the skills but also provides them with a job upon graduation," said George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon. "Simply put, we are making dreams a reality. What a humbling realization."
In a world where gastronomic events are often catered solely to the palate, the Food Court Social stands apart, nourishing both body and soul.
