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Culinary Students Contribute to Gilda's Big Night Out

For the third year in a row, our culinary department was involved in the Gilda’s Big Night Out event.

Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit invited attendees to an unforgettable evening of laughter and entertainment at Gilda’s Big Night Out! This signature event enables the organization to offer social and emotional support programming, at no cost, to anyone touched by cancer in our community.

Gilda’s Big Night Out is a night dedicated to raising money for Gilda’s Club. According to gildasclubdetroit.org, “Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit ensures that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community. Our organization creates welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer – men, women, teens and children – along with their families and friends.”

Gilda’s Big Night Out is, “a festive evening in Detroit, Gilda’s Big Night Out features a strolling dinner, music, silent and live auctions and an inspiring program with entertainment!

Gilda was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1985. She said that having cancer gave her membership in an elite club she’d rather not belong to. She passed away in 1989, but her legacy lived on when her husband and friends established Gilda’s Club and the first red door opened in New York City.

Chef Koshizawa and his culinary class contributed this year with an eclectic Asian cuisine. The Asian cuisine class made the dish for 300 people. They made Korean Chicken Tacos with Southeast Asian Salad. Chef Koshizawa wanted to get his class out in the community and was looking for a great non-profit to get involved with. When he did a healthy cooking expo 3 years ago, he met someone from Gilda’s Club and got involved with the organization. “This is a sense of pride for our students and the staff who volunteer. It’s a group effort to create the menu and they get to see their creations from start to finish. They feel very gratified when they see what they brainstormed come out on the plate. “

In addition to creating the special dishes, they auctioned off a private dinner party. Last year it went for $2,500. The school also provides baked goods for a charity run that they do in September, and they continue to try and help the organization as much as possible.