Our Mission
Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship raises funds for tuition scholarships, to provide hands on training to deserving students aspiring for a rewarding career in the culinary arts.
Tuition scholarships are awarded to students based upon
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Financial need, and
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Academic and Professional merit
Scholarship disbursements range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are awarded four times annually. To date, we have awarded over $850,000 in scholarships.
Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, Tax ID #76-0673436, operating in Houston, Texas since 2001.
Our History
The Gaston LeNôtre Scholarship was created in March 2001 by Marie LeNôtre to support high quality education in the culinary arts. Many students applying for culinary school have a difficult time paying for their education. They apply for federal loans, borrow money from family and friends and apply for private loans, yet they are still unable to attain the necessary tuition to pursue their educational goals.
Chef Daniel Boulud and Marie LeNôtre.
Marie LeNôtre and Randy Fournier, Board Member of the Gaston LeNotre Scholarship, decided that these deserving students should be provided with the tools necessary to achieve their goals.
The primary source of scholarship funds is acquired through the annual fundraising gala, Champagne and Chocolat. This black-tie gourmet dinner gala has become a trademark event. It features a champagne reception, a raffle, a silent and live auction, sugar and chocolate demonstration, Can-Can dance performance, live music and dancing. The gala attracts many affluent individuals and successful businesses that have a vested interest in philanthropy, gourmet dining and education.
CULINARY INSTITUTE LENOTRE Students with Chef Daniel Boulud.
In 2001, Marie LeNôtre organized the first charity gala that raised $45,000. Slowly, but surely the 2006 Gala raised more than $100,000. But the most amazing year for this organization was 2014, in which a total of $230,000 was raised.
Thanks to the generosity and continued commitment of all of our donors, sponsors and friends, more than over $850,000 in tuition scholarships to date.
Julia Child and Marie LeNôtre.