Florida’s Premiere Youth Advocacy Organization Brings Celebrity Chef Experience To Its Supporters For An Evening To Benefit Kids In And Aging Out Of Foster Care

Florida’s Children First (FCF), an award-winning non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of at–risk children and youth in the foster care system, is hosting Cooking for the Kids with Chef Rome on March 10, 2021 at 6 p.m. This virtual event will feature a cooking demonstration with Chef Rome and his celebrity pals in the sports and showbiz world. It also provides a safe venue for FCF to raise critical funds that support their mission of helping kids in and aging out of foster care, many of whom have been dramatically impacted by the pandemic.

Jerome Brown, better known as Chef Rome, is a personal chef to stars from Shaquille O’Neal and Cam Newton to Nancy Kerrigan and Colin Powell. He’s also a Food Network favorite, a restaurateur, and a mentor to kids.

“While cooking really isn’t MY thing, helping kids DEFINITELY is. Kids are our doctors, nurses, NBA players and top chefs of the future – so we MUST help them achieve all they can – ESPECIALLY our most vulnerable youth: those in foster care,” said Brevin Knight, NBA Point Guard and ESPN commentator.  “That’s why I’m joining Chef Rome and Florida’s Children First’s Cooking for the Kids. It will be great fun, for a great cause.”

Cooking for the Kids puts attendees right in the kitchen with Chef Rome and his famous friends where he will do a short cooking demo, answer questions, and share why he supports the work of Florida’s Children First.

“Whether you enjoy cooking or just enjoy great conversation, this event is for everyone. Your attendance supports our mission to help youth in foster care and you can enjoy a celebrity chef experience from the comfort and safety of your home,” said FCF Board President and founder Howard Talenfeld, who serves as Business Unit Leader of the Justice for Kids Division of Kelley Kronenberg. “We invite you to cook along or simply watch and learn.”

“We are thrilled to have Chef Rome give our Florida Youth SHINE kids an opportunity to learn cooking traditions and healthy eating tips,” said Christina Spudeas, Executive Director of Florida’s Children First. “Your support enables us to provide cookbooks for Florida Youth SHINE members who often don’t have family to provide guidance and experience in preparing meals on their own.”

Cooking for the Kids is generously underwritten by statewide sponsors that include Kelley Kronenberg (Statewide Presenting Sponsor), The Shane McGee Foundation, Guardian Trust, The Florida Bar Foundation, The Paul Palank Memorial Foundation, and Event Presenter: Stuart Building Products.

“As the pandemic continues, we must not forget those who need our help now more than ever,” notes Heath Eskalyo, Principal Partner/Chief Financial Officer of Kelley Kronenberg. “I hope you will join us for this fun event that will truly make a difference in the lives of Florida’s youth in foster care.”

For more information about Florida’s Children First or the Cooking for the Kids fundraiser and the packages available, please visit www.floridaschildrenfirst.org or https://igfn.us/e/7YRjLw. It is recommended to register by March 1 to ensure package delivery by the event date.

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About Florida’s Children First:

Florida’s Children First is an award-winning non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of at-risk children and youth in foster care. They focus on making big systemic changes that improve the system for thousands of youth in care today, and in the future. They developed the Florida Youth SHINE program to provide foster youth the support, mentorship, and empowerment they need to reach their full potential as advocates for their own needs.