Culinary Careers Program (C-CAP) L.A. Annual Gala Preview with Lisa Fontanesi, National Program Director

Set for Friday evening, May 15th is the Culinary Careers Program’s 2026 Los Angeles Gala fundraiser celebrating an evening of Alumni Culinary Excellence. “The evening is saluting the extraordinary alumni who have called C-CAP Los Angeles home at pivotal moments in their culinary journeys.The night begins with rooftop cocktail hour at Sunset followed by a elegant multi-course, premium wine-paired seated dinner and program, in the historic Jonathan Club’s Grand ballroom. The Jonathan Club is an exclusive, members-only private club where the 1932 L.A. Olympics were born.”Designing the sumptuous repast are an all-star lineup of C-CAP alumni chefs including “Top Chef” alum Amar Santana of Vaca, Anthony Greco of Porto’s and Lasheeda Perry, Food Network Star and known as the Queen of Flavor. Celebrity Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feninger of Border Grill fame (“The Too Hot Tamales.”) are the evening’s hosts.“Founded in 1990 by culinary educator and cookbook author Richard Grossman, and in partnership with board Co-chair Marcus Samuelsson, Culinary Careers Program is a national workforce development nonprofit dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of food and hospitality leaders.”“C-CAP serves communities across Arizona, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Long Island, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Maryland. Their unparalleled network of industry contacts includes renowned chefs, hospitality leaders, restaurants, and hotels.”“C-CAP’s methodology works, and to date has uplifted close to 400,000 students and awarded $73 million in college scholarships. Many of their alumni are enjoying successful careers at award-winning restaurants and 5-star hotels around the globe.”Representing C-CAP today is Lisa Fontanesi, the National Program Director