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IN THE NEWS

December 19, 2018

El Cajon Project gives local youth chance to explore

Written by Rachel Kane - Town Crier Editorial Intern

El Cajon Project gives local youth chance to explore

Betty Ewing has been trying to make a difference in the lives of youth since 1993, when she founded the El Cajon Project. The nonprofit endeavor provides youth at risk of not graduating from high school with a newfound sense of direction, responsibility and self-sufficiency through an immersive culinary program.

"(In 1993), I had a restaurant and had spoken to the local high school's vice principal," Ewing said. "I asked, 'Do you have students that might not graduate?' He replied, 'Absolutely.'"

Ewing arranged for eight at-risk students to participate in the El Cajon Project at what used to be the Blue Sky Cafe in Mountain View....


January 28, 2014

Former Restaurateur Puts Hundreds Of At Risk Kids On The Right Path

El Cajon Project and founder Betty Ewing featured in an article and video at NBC Bay Area News: "Former Restaurateur Puts Hundreds Of At Risk Kids On The Right Path", By Garvin Thomas:

"In 1993, Betty Ewing had what she calls her "noodle-on-the-wall" idea:" take students at risk of not graduating high school and place them in jobs in restaurant kitchens. Twenty years, and more than 800 kids later, the El Cajon Project is still going strong."


June 13, 2012

Jefferson Award Winning Chef Helps Students Gain Seasoning In Restaurant Industry

Jefferson AwardsFounder, Director, Chef and high school culinary arts teacher Betty Ewing was awarded the 2012 CBS Jefferson Award, an honor for local heroes making huge impacts in the community. Betty has been changing the course of over 600 students' lives in the California Bay Area since 1993 by starting an innovative culinary training program where students earn high school credits towards graduation. This community-based organization involves participating chefs at exclusive Bay Area restaurants, school districts, parents, El Cajon staff and volunteers and of course, at-risk students, age 16-19.


El Cajon Project Receives Grant of $25,000 from Newman's Own Foundation

El Cajon Project Inc. is pleased to announce that it has received a grant of $25,000 from Newman's Own Foundation in support of El Cajon Project and its youth outreach. We could not be any happier with such a generous donation. This grant was recommended by Nell Newman, and we thank her. Paul Newman was committed to help make the world a better place .To carry on his philanthropic legacy, Newman's Own Foundation donates all net royalties and profits after taxes from the sale of Newman's Own products to charity. To date Paul Newman and Newman's Own Foundation have given over 290 million to thousands of charities around the world.

UPCOMING EVENTS

More exciting El Cajon Project events coming soon! Be sure to check back here for more information!s


PAST EVENTS

December 2, 2018

THE CHARTER OAK POTLUCK SERIES: FINAL POTLUCK OF 2018!

The Charter Oak December 2 Potluck Dinner Event

Thank you for joining us at The Charter Oak for our final Guest Chef Potluck Dinner of 2018! This celebratory dinner benefitted the El Cajon Project, a bay area non-profit helping at-risk high school students become productive members of society by facilitating intensive culinary arts internship programs.


October 21, 2018

EL CAJON PROJECT'S 3rd ANNUAL EPICUREAN TASTING EVENT

3rd Annual Epicurean Tasting Event

On Sunday, October 21, Alexander`s The Sea in Palo Alto hosted a one of a kind food and wine event. The benefit was a great success! Thank you to all of the donors, restaurants, and wineries who participated, and to everyone who came and enjoyed food, wine, and our student's stories!


20th Anniversary Event

On Sunday, August 25th El Cajon celebrated its 20th year of operation with a fundraising event at Solis Winery in Gilroy, CA. Thanks to the gracious donation of wine and location by Vic Vanni of Solis Winery, El Cajon hosted an intimate event for its board members, staff and biggest supporters. Please visit Vic at Solis Winery, tell him we sent you!


October 29th, 2008

Park Place Restaurant in Cupertino Grand Opening

Park Place Restaurant in Cupertino Grand Opening October 29th, 2008 All proceeds go to El Cajon.