On Thursday, May 29, 2014 from 6:30 9:30 p.m., FIG & OLIVE Founder, Laurent Halasz will be honored with the “PAL-of-the-Year” award at the 2014 LAPD Hollenbeck Police Activities League (PAL) Awards Gala ($200; open to the public) for his work with underprivileged teens from East Los Angeles. Since 2011, Halasz has been working with the LAPD to introduce youth to positive opportunities within the culinary industry. This year’s Awards Gala celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the PAL Program and takes place at the historic Los Angeles Police Academy with host and E! News Personality, Ken Baker. Additional honorees at the gala include Richard Riordan, 39th Mayor of Los Angeles and Jose Perez, Jr., Deputy Chief of the LAPD for their contribution to the Hollenbeck Foundation. Previous “PAL-of-the-Year” honorees include Larry King, Wendy Burch, Christine Devine, and Ed Begley, Jr. Special guests in attendance this year include Mayor Eric Garcetti, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, and LBPD Chief Jim McDonnell, among others.
Halasz and FIG & OLIVE first partnered with the Hollenbeck Police Activities League in 2011 to develop a program inviting inner-city youth to explore healthy and career-building environments. Together they bring teens to local farms and farmers markets as well as invite them into FIG & OLIVE kitchens to learn about fresh local produce. Over a course of one year, the same group of young adults gain hands-on experiences at FIG & OLIVE to build a foundation of character and career skills. Halasz and the FIG & OLIVE team hope education on wholesome foods and exposure to a positive after-school environment will inspire youth to make positive choices and pave a path towards a productive future.
Posted by Cassandra Fekjar
05/11/2014
