The Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association is getting a helping hand from students at both the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College.
The No Horsin’ Around Culinary Cook-Off is a collaborative event initiated by the Integrated Management Experience (IME) program at the University’s Dhillon School of Business and second-year culinary students at Lethbridge College. All proceeds from the event will benefit programming at the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association.
“What a fantastic opportunity to bring students from two separate post-secondary institutions together for one cause; supporting The Lethbridge Therapeutic Association and the work they do with disabled children in the community,” says Mike Madore, IME program director. “Experiential learning and social responsibility are important aspects of the educational experience and through this initiative, students get to apply the theory they’ve learned in the classroom to a real-life experience that benefits the community.”
The evening, which begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 6, 2018 in Lethbridge College’s Garden Court, features a four-course meal prepared by second-year Lethbridge College culinary students. Guests will also have the opportunity to vote on competing appetizers and then participate in a silent auction. Tickets, priced at $100 each, are available now through Apr. 3 by visiting http://www.ulethime.com/.
Each year, students enrolled in IME at the Dhillon School of Business get the opportunity to use the theoretical aspects they learn in class to solve a business problem for a local charity by developing and executing a fundraising event. A total of 17 students are working together on the No Horsin’ Around Culinary Cook-Off, coordinating the project through management, marketing, finance and logistics teams.
"The IME program has taught me a lot about multitasking, group work and constantly communicating with internal and external stakeholders,” says Kaleigh Watson, part of the IME group’s marketing team. “I've learned so much about how I work within a team and how to adjust for different work styles.”
Watson adds she is excited about what the event will do for the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Society.
“I'm looking forward to seeing all of our hard work pay off, to see our event come together and the impact of our efforts. It's truly been an experience of learning core management skills through meaningful application.”
Since its inception in 2000, students in the IME program have raised more than $200,000 towards community initiatives.