Events
Former Foster Youth Celebrate Early Thanksgiving at Butterball
RALEIGH, N.C. (November 9, 2017) - Thanksgiving arrived a little early this year for students in Wake Tech’s Fostering Bright Futures program! These students, formerly in foster care, are now on their own, in college at Wake Tech and on their way to earning college degrees. Today they enjoyed a Thanksgiving luncheon courtesy of Butterball in Garner.
The students helped Anthony Seta, Certified Master Chef and Director of Culinary Service for Butterball, prepare the traditional holiday meal of turkey and all the trimmings. Chef Seta offered cooking tips and shared culinary secrets (like the key to a juicy bird) with the students, many of whom would not have had a Thanksgiving meal without this special event.
Local veterans were also invited, since the luncheon took place a few days before Veterans Day. The students enjoyed having an opportunity to brighten the holiday for others and give something back to the community.
Fostering Bright Futures is a public-private partnership that provides tutoring, mentoring, and financial support to help former foster youth pursue higher education. The program has helped many young adults beat considerable odds and lead happier and more productive lives. It started in 2008 to help former foster care youth earn degrees from Wake Tech by providing academic and financial support. Currently, there are 30 students in the program. So far, 10 students have earned associate’s degrees: Six have transferred to universities, and three are working in their field of study (dental assisting, plumbing, and banking). Three students are expected to graduate May 2018.
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