Les Dames d'Escoffier LA/OC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Contributions to us are tax-deductible. We give generously to a few local charities and participate in LDEI initiatives like Green Tables and The Global Initiative.
We arrange for volunteering and mentoring opportunities throughout the year.
Charities we've supported
CAREERS THROUGH CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM (C-CAP) is a non-profit organization that gives today's youth the tools and opportunities to become successful in the culinary workplace and in life. LDEI-LA/OC has supported C-CAP since 1994 in many ways. Dame Mitzie Cutler is the LA Program Director. Several of our dames have served on the Board of Directors. C-CAP has a partnership with the LA Unified School District High Schools. Working within this alliance, our LA/OC Dames have helped C-CAP students prepare for culinary competions. Our chapter further supports the program by underwriting materials and giving an annual monetary award.
THE DOWNTOWN WOMEN'S CENTER is the only facility on Skid Row in downtown with the specific purpose of serving the women of skid row. It is 27 years old, houses a number of women on a permanent basis, and feeds over 250 people a day, with breakfast, lunch and dinner. The LA Chapter of LDEI makes financial contributions, and Dames have given time and energy and food to the center's residents. Dame Marje Bennetts is on their Board of Directors.
BRACKEN'S KITCHEN – "Real hunger is as abundant in Orange County as the sandy beaches".
The goal of Bracken’s Kitchen is to address the issue of food insecurity in Orange County through the use of mobile kitchens or food trucks. With the growing popularity of these “restaurants on wheels’ we hope to bring a high quality and healthy meal to those who need it most. Equally important is our goal to feed that great meal in a dignified and fun environment that truly creates a wonderful and positive experience.
CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION (CRAEF) invests in the future of the restaurant industry by providing California youth with opportunities to build foodservice careers through high-quality industry-driven education, mentoring, life-skills training, scholarships, competitions, and support.
"RAISE THE BAR" HAPPY HOUR
Les Dames D'Escoffier LA-OC Chapter is RAISING THE BAR! We are focused on helping women in the Food & Beverage and Hospitality Industries. This quarterly series of give-back happy hours are hosted by local restaurants and open to all women in the Food & Beverage and Hospitality industry - no membership is required. Net proceeds go to scholarships for women in hospitality and culinary education programs. DONATE
GLOBAL INITIATIVE
We follow the international guidelines of LDEI in planning events that qualify as Global. The Global Initiative promotes culinary programs that cross cultural barriers fostering new friendships and better international understanding.
GREEN TABLES INITIATIVE
We follow the international guidelines of LDEI in executing our Green Tables events.
The LDEI LA/OC Chapter is engaged in linking urban and rural farms and gardens to school, restaurant and kitchen tables. Click here to learn more about Green Tables on the international LDEI website.
LEGACY AWARDS
The Legacy Awards, supported by The Julia Child Foundation, were established by Les Dames d'Escoffier International in 2009 with one goal in mind: to provide targeted mentorship opportunities for professional women in the food, fine beverage and hospitality industries. The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts generously supports our Legacy Awards program. The competition is open to professional women from those countries who are not Dames but have a minimum of four years experience working in the culinary industry. Learn more...
MANASERRO FARMS - Sustainable Farming since 1976
Manassero Farms has been farming some 40 years now, long before "Farm-toTable" was spoken about.
Dame, Chef Anne Manassero and husband Dan received the “California State Senate Award” for donating over 250,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables to feed those in need. For the past six years, Manassero Farm has donated corn, strawberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, green beans and melons to Loaves and Fishesx10, a Santa Ana-based nonprofit. The organization then distributes the produce to food banks, shelters and churches in Orange and Los Angeles counties. Click here for the full story.
PHYLLIS ANNE MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Phyllis Anne was one of the founding members of the Los Angeles/Orange County Chapter and served as Chapter President for 6 years. She was a long-time food and beverage professional and an ardent cheerleader for women in food and beverage in California. Her life was dedicated to food and hospitality. She was a mentor to many and a sponsor for countless Chapter Dames including some who have gone on to serve on the board.
2017 - "A Taste of SoCal" Fundraiser at the 2017 National Conference held at the Fashion Island Hotel. $7500 raised and donated.
2019 – Silent Auction items valued at $500++ with 100% of the proceeds going to our Chapter's Scholarship Fund, in memory of Dame Phyllis Ann Marshall sponsored by Dame Amy Jo Pedone of Valenza Chocolatier.