NORTHERN Marianas Technical Institute culinary staff and students prepared a traditional Thanksgiving meal for Karidat Social Services’ Guma Esperansa, or House of Hope on Tuesday.
In collaboration with the office of Rep. Leila Staffler, the culinary team donated an entire Thanksgiving meal: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, and glazed carrots.
Guma Esperansa is a shelter for battered women and their children.
“We received a call that they wanted to cook a Thanksgiving meal for us from the students at NMTI,” Karidat Executive Director Lauri Ogumoro said.
“This is such a beautiful gift from NMTI. The turkey was donated by Congresswoman Staffler. It’s really touching that they wanted to do this for the women and children at the shelter. We are touched beyond belief and we’re so thankful that they thought of us. It’s really special. I mean, there’s not much more I can say. It’s moments like this that we’re grateful to such a wonderful community that thinks of the people that are less fortunate,” Ogumoro added.
Staffler, for her part, said, “I’m always happy to find a way to help a great organization like Karidat [provide] families another source of cheer and support in these hard times and in this holiday season.”
Staffler said for Thanksgiving this year, she’s really thankful for the partners she works with in the CNMI and federal governments, businesses and community groups.
“Thank you to everyone who collaborates with us in the Legislature and with me personally on the projects that I really find important to the things that I value,” she said.
NMTI culinary arts instructor and student activities coordinator Chef Ben Babauta Jr. said, “Because it’s the season of giving, [this was] a great opportunity for us to showcase what our students have learned [and] to give back to the community.”
The seven culinary arts students prepared the meal the night before, then cooked and plated for two and a half hours on the day of the donation.
Chef Ben commended the “good team work” of his students, as well as Representative Staffler for donating the turkey.
For Thanksgiving this year, Chef Ben said he is thankful for his family, his good health, and for the ham and turkey he will enjoy eating.
If you’re an aspiring culinary student, Chef Ben encourages you to head down to NMTI student services and inquire about the culinary arts program.
For more information about NMTI, visit its Lower Base campus, call 323-6600, or email cnmi.nmti@gmail.com
On Tuesday, Northern Marianas Technical Institute culinary arts students, faculty, and administration donated a complete Thanksgiving meal to Karidat Social Services’ Guma Esperansa.
