Streets International - A Global Social Enterprise Initiative

STREETS International provides the opportunity for Vietnamese street kids and orphans to transition from poverty and substandard education to successful careers in the hospitality industry. The program was started by Dr. Neal Bermas, formerly a Culinary Management instructor at ICE. With a background in management consulting and education, Dr. Bermas saw an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged youth in Southeast Asia. The program, certified by ICE, offers a comprehensive 18-month curriculum in culinary and hospitality training, including life skills and English classes, community-based support, housing and medical care. The first restaurant, education center, and dorm houses were opened in 2009 in Hoi An, Vietnam and the group’s goal is to open similar concepts in other parts of Asia. Notably, STREETS is an endeavor in entrepreneurial philanthropy. Because the STREETS concept includes a revenue generating restaurant, each location can become an economically self-sufficient entity.

On Wednesday, March 24th, STREETS International is hosting their third annual gala at the Astor Center in New York City. Some of New Yorks hottest chefs will be in attendance, including Kenny Callaghan of Blue Smoke, Tom Colicchio of Colicchio & Sons, Karen DeMasco of Locanda Verde, and ICEs own Erica Wides- donating their time, energy, and delicious food to help the cause. To buy tickets, please visit: www.streetsinternational.org/tickets. Or, if you cannot attend, please consider donating to this wonderful cause.