Arroyo Grande High School has something delicious cooking in the kitchen, and it’s all thanks to Rosa’s Italian Restaurant.
The award-winning restaurant and its Executive Chef Doug MacMillan donated $5,400 to the Lucia Mar Unified School District Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Culinary Arts Program, with $3,738 going to the ROP program at Arroyo Grande High School.
The Arroyo Grande ROP program began in 2008, but it already has a waiting list to enroll in the course. Students gain hands-on experience both in the classroom and an on-site commercial kitchen, even dressing the part with chef uniforms and using professional food preparation equipment found in restaurants.
MacMillan is no stranger to the Arroyo Grande ROP classroom or its students.
“Chef Doug has been a guest speaker and demonstrator in class and is an inspiration to the students. His time and donations are greatly appreciated,” Mary Jo Cali, a teacher at Arroyo Grand High School, said in a press release.
The majority of the donation came from the proceeds of Rosa’s fourth annual Martini Shakedown, an event where 10 Central Coast bartenders compete to make the best martini. Participants strive for the pride of first place, best-looking martini, and people’s choice. Sold out the past several years, this event also has a silent auction and raffle.
With these donations, Rosa’s has earned the respect of its community.
“Executive Chef Doug MacMillan and Rosa’s have been a great asset and partner to our district. We greatly appreciate everything they do for our students and community. They are truly making a difference,” Jim Hogeboom, Lucia Mar superintendent, said in a press release.
From past proceeds of the annual Vodka Martini Shakedown, Rosa’s has donated more than $10,000 to charities, including the St. Patrick’s Church Outreach Program and the San Luis Obispo Food Bank Coalition Backpack Program.
Last year, Rosa’s donated proceeds to the Culinary Arts Program at Arroyo Grande High School in memory of Rosa MacMillan.
Rosa’s Italian Restaurant is family owned and located at 491 Price St. in Pismo Beach, California.
Intern Malory Ensor compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jul 21-28, 2011.