Joshua Small, a freshman at Lycée Français de New York, took on the role of acting executive chef at a fundraising dinner for the Ronald McDonald House-New York, showcasing his culinary skills and passion for helping others. He prepared a three-course meal that included appetizers, a duck confit entree, and a Basque cheesecake dessert, all accompanied by beverages designed by the young chef. The event, organized by Small and his friend Alexander Morris, raised over $6,500 to support children battling cancer.
Small, who has only taken one culinary training course, found his passion for cooking at a young age and honed his skills through self-teaching and online tutorials during the pandemic. He began preparing meals for his family and started collaborating with Chez Les Frenchies café in Upper East Side, creating special dishes to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House charity. Small’s dedication to using his talent for a good cause has made a significant impact on the community, with his initiatives benefiting pediatric cancer patients and their families.
The funds raised from the Youth to Youth dinner event will be used to provide essential services such as temporary housing, transportation to treatment, and family activities for pediatric cancer patients. The charity’s Director of Volunteers and Communications, Caitlin Conklin, commended Small for his generosity and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need. Small’s passion for cooking and helping others has inspired him to continue using his skills to support charitable causes and give back to the community.
Small’s talents as a chef were on full display at the fundraising event, where guests enjoyed his expertly crafted dishes and praised his culinary skills. The young chef’s commitment to helping sick children and their families through his cooking has garnered admiration and support from the local community. His dedication to using his passion for cooking to make a positive impact on others showcases the power of young people to effect change through their talents and creativity.
Small’s involvement with the Ronald McDonald House charity began when he was just 12 years old, and since then, he has been actively fundraising and creating dishes to support the organization’s mission. His collaboration with Chez Les Frenchies café led to successful sales of his special dishes, raising significant donations for the charity. Small’s determination to continue supporting causes close to his heart through his culinary skills highlights the importance of using one’s talents to create meaningful change in the world.
By leveraging his passion for cooking and his talent as a chef, Joshua Small has demonstrated the power of youth to make a positive impact on their communities. His dedication to helping children battling cancer and their families through fundraising events and special dishes has not only raised significant funds but also inspired others to support charitable causes through their gifts and interests. Small’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of using one’s talents for the greater good and making a difference in the lives of those in need.
