Fund-Raiser to Feature Student Talent

The class work of students in the School of Hospitality at Pennsylvania College of Technology will be the feature of a Mother's Day Tea that was organized to raise funds for the Williamsport YWCA's warm-water pool.

Under the direction of Chef Judith P. Shimp, associate professor of food and hospitality management, and student manager Matthew G. Wessner, Kutztown, students in the culinary-arts program's breakfast-and-brunch course will prepare the buffet-style meal. It will be served in Le Jeune Chef, the fine-dining restaurant operated by the School of Hospitality, on Sunday, May 1.

As student manager, Wessner helped to develop the menu and will assist Shimp in managing the kitchen. Throughout the semester, students in the breakfast-and-brunch course take turns in the student-manager role as they serve the public in the restaurant on Sunday mornings. During the fall semester, students serve breakfast and brunch on both Sunday and Monday mornings.

Other members of the class, who will staff Le Jeune Chef's kitchen during the event, are: Edward J. Halat, Dupont; Rose A. Larsen, Lock Haven; Nathan S. Marshall, State College; Sarah D. Miller, Milton; Andrew M. Molino, Muncy; Amelia C. Pedraza, Williamsport; Renee L Shawver, McClure; Andrea E. Sites, Myerstown; Mark J. Ulicny, Zionsville; and James M. Zartman, South Williamsport.

The Victorian tea-themed menu includes vegetable crudites, various tea sandwiches, hors d'oeuvres, and a fresh fruit arrangement served with chocolate fondue. Also featured will be pastries, chocolate-covered strawberries and miniature desserts made by students in the baking-and-pastry-arts major. Shimp will offer a demonstration on tea service.

Also supporting the fund-raising effort are local businesses and YWCA supporters who donated more than $2,500 in gifts to be sold in a silent auction at the event. Wal-Mart has offered a matching donation of up to $500.

Money raised through this event will be used to support the YWCA's warm-water pool, which operates at a loss each year. Tickets have been sold out.

The tea not only supports the YWCA, but offers the first chance for breakfast and brunch students to participate in a practicum on traditional tea service.

For more information about the Williamsport YWCA and its programs, call (570) 322-4637 or visit online.

For more information about the academic programs offered by the School of Hospitality at Penn College, call (570) 327-4505, send e-mail or visit on the Web.