About Us
For the Love of Chocolate Foundation provides scholarships for qualified students in the specialized training of the pastry arts. The foundation awards scholarships to students of L’Art de la Patisserie program taught by The French Pastry School for the City Colleges of Chicago. For the Love of Chocolate Foundation promotes commitment in pastry arts education for individuals looking to change careers, as well as individuals who have shown potential in the culinary field but who have no formal pastry education.
GOALS
The goal of the scholarships is to encourage and assist aspiring students, career changers, and culinary career professionals to advance their knowledge of the pastry arts. The program is specifically geared toward individuals who are in need of financial assistance. L’Art de la Pâtisserie program not only trains students in the art of pastry, but it also educates them about the pastry profession.
Through the generosity of the school’s sponsors, alumni, industry vendors and associates, scholarship funding to offset tuition is available to all new students on a first-come first-served basis, through a competitive application process.
Scholarships are disbursed in increments of $1,000 and may cover a student’s entire semester tuition. The award is disbursed directly to The French Pastry School at City Colleges of Chicago for L’Art de la Pâtisserie program. Funds typically cover partial tuition for L’Art de la Pâtisserie program.
HONORARY CHAIR PERSON - Abigail Wodrich
Abby, the daughter of Lisa and David Wodrich, was born nine weeks before her scheduled arrival and one day after the tragic death of her twin sister. Abby was in the neonatal care unit in Indiana, then transferred to Children's Memorial Hospital, where for 16 weeks, the doctors and nurses worked around the clock to help her survive. As a result of an unforeseen twin complication that took the life of her sister and greatly diminished oxygen rich blood to Abby's vital organs, Abby had less than 5% kidney function and was in dire need of a kidney transplant. Her father David was screened as a donor and was a match. The two of them had surgery in 2007 that allowed Abby to lead a more fulfilling life.
All funds raised at For the Love of Chocolate in 2006 went to assist them in helping defray the medical costs of the transplant surgery and lifelong prescriptions. The family shared the proceeds with Children's Memorial Hospital NICU to ensure that more babies will receive the help they need to survive and to say "thank you" for saving Abby.
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2010 Update This June Abigail will be four years post transplant. It is a great milestone for her. She has had few complications since her transplant in 2006 and her condition remains stable. Her doctors are impressed by the fact that at just 5 years old, she has all of her medications memorized and understands why she takes them. We are reminded every time we look at her of what a miracle she is. Abigail loves life! Her favorite things include tap and ballet dance, her dolls, playing with her big brother Ethan, and anything Cinderella. Our family is so grateful to The French Pastry School, the City Colleges of Chicago and the culinary community of Chicagoland for the peace of mind that you gave our family following the very first For the Love of Chocolate. The amazing people behind The French Pastry School will forever be in our hearts. Thank you for including Abigail in this spectacular annual event. She looks forward to it every year. With love, The Wodrich Family—David, Lisa, Ethan and Abigail |