NECAT's Annual Fundraiser: Olives Pop-Up

Last December, I was strongly touched by my visit to the New England Center for Arts & Technology (NECAT) and wrote an article, NECAT: A Culinary School Worthy Of Special Attention. I previously wrote: "For my other readers, I encourage you to learn more about NECAT and give them your support. Take a tour of the facility, have lunch there, or attend a future event. If you can donate money to NECAT, please do so. And importantly, help spread the word about NECAT. It needs to be much better known and strongly depends on word of mouth to do so. If you know anyone who would benefit from attending NECAT's culinary program, please tell them about the opportunities."

Continuing my support of NECAT, and trying to raise more awareness of this fulfilling program, I wanted to alert my readers about the upcoming annual fundraiser to benefit NECAT. On April 22, from 6pm–10pm, NECAT will host an Olives Pop-Up. I was at their last fundraiser and it was an excellent event, with plenty of delicious food.

Their description of this event notes: "When Olives opened its doors in 1989, the restaurant started a culinary revolution in Boston and launched the careers of countless executive chefs and restaurant owners. The Olives alumni have maintained a close bond over the years, and encouraged the careers of the next generation of cooks.

"Olives Chef de Cuisine Paul O’Connell (former chef/owner Chez Henri in Cambridge) continues to embody the passion and spirit of such collaboration as the Culinary Training Director at the New England Center for Arts and Technology (NECAT). NECAT ‘s innovative culinary arts and job readiness training program has moved many participants from the margins of society into the mainstream. In the same way that Olive’s transformed Boston’s food scene, NECAT is transforming lives.

"Join us at NECAT where Olives is popping up with the original crew to reunite and to recreate the signature dishes and drinks that became the hallmark of the original Charlestown eatery. The Pop Up Benefit will feature an elegant cocktail reception followed by a multi-course dinner inspired by their original menu. This exclusive and unique reunion of chefs promises to deliver Olives most memorable dishes in an interactive dining experience, one that promises to feed your appetite and help fund NECAT’s mission of preparing disadvantaged individuals for work, life and a promising future."

The Event Co-chairs will be Olivia English & Oliver English. There will be Food Presentation by Chefs including Todd English, Paul Booras, Joe Brenner, Tiffani Faison, Barbara Lynch, Paul O’Connell and other special guests

Tickets are limited, cost $250 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

You can also contact Joey Cuzzi (at jcuzzi@ne-cat.org or 617-429-2625) for sponsorship opportunities.