Chers Confrères et Consoeurs:

This is not just another request for money.  The auction at the annual Chaine Summer Picnic features one of a kind food and wine adventures with the generous proceeds going to support the Scholarship Fund.  Belonging to the Chaine is more than drinking good wine and eating excellent food, it is about giving culinary students an opportunity to learn the art of fine food preparation and solid wine pairings.

During the last year $1,000 scholarships were given to: South Seattle Community College, Seattle Central Community College, Renton Technical College, Edmonds Community College Foundation and Walla Walla Enology and Viticulture.

Also, $500 scholarships were awarded to Bellingham Technical College, South Puget Community College, Olympic College, Clover Park Community College, and Skagit Valley Community College.

Scholarship money awarded to the schools will be used towards the cost of tuition and books for outstanding or needy students as determined by the leaders of the school's culinary programs.   Last year we helped more than 14 students and received a number of thank you letters from grateful students.  Money from the Scholarship account is also given to the Young Sommeliers Program so that participants from our area can travel to regional and National competitions.

A grant was given to Edmonds Community College Foundation for $10,000 and was used for the remodeling of the school's teaching kitchen.

With your support we will be able to reach out to more culinary schools in our state.  With the help of Chef John Fisher, I believe we have put together a great program and the investment we will be making will help create chefs that the Chaine can be proud of. 

Back to the point of this letter.  We need to increase our success, as the need is much greater.  Let's get creative and even more generous with our gifts, so that the true mission of the Chaine is carried on with vigor and vitality.  Please fill out the enclosed donation form and return it to Barbara Walker.  You can also email information to normbarb@whidbey.com.  Please have all donation information in by August 20, 2009.

Sincerely,

Barbara Walker  - Scholarship Chair

Bertrand de Boutray   - Bailli Seattle Chapter

Chaine donor Form