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Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County welcomed TableSeide Restaurant Group’s Joey Egan, executive chef for Louies Modern/Modern Events, to the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club on January 18 to help a group of teen Club members prepare a three-course meal for 40 guests at the organization’s first Opening Doors to Great Futures Dinner of the year. The organization initiated this monthly dinner series in 2015 as a way for members of the community to learn more about its mission, programs and impact. This free event begins with a reception and a tour of one of the five local Boys & Girls Clubs locations. After the tour, guests enjoy a brief program with a delicious meal prepared and served by teen Club members who participate in the organization’s Culinary Arts Program under the guidance of a professional guest chef. “This was a wonderful opportunity for our Club members to learn from such a talented chef in our own Club kitchen,” said Bill Sadlo, President/CEO at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. “Our Club members loved working with Chef Joey while learning the important skills necessary to pursue a lasting career in the hospitality and service industry in our community.” Before dinner, guests enjoyed a cheese and charcuterie board provided by Boar’s Head. With Chef Joey Egan’s expertise, the Culinary Arts Program participants prepared and served a kale Caesar salad for the first course and herb-roasted chicken, grilled portabella cap, mascarpone polenta and roasted fall vegetables with a lemon-herb broth for the entree. For dessert, guests enjoyed tiramisu with layers of espresso macerated lady fingers and cocoa with whipped Italian cream. TableSeide Restaurant Group’s Director of Community Outreach Brittany Havener said the company strongly believes in encouraging the next generation of professionals to explore career opportunities in the Culinary Arts field. "We couldn't be more thrilled to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County,” said Havener. “Being a family-owned-and-operated restaurant group, we find it paramount to empower and educate local youth in the culinary arts, with the ultimate goal being to retain and employ equipped and capable staff right here in the Sarasota community." The next Opening Doors to Great Futures Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, February 15, at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club. To RSVP, contact the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County at 941-366-3911. To learn more, visit www.bgcsarasota.com. ABOUT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA COUNTY: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County have played an integral role in the Sarasota County community for more than 47 years, providing daily programs and services to thousands of young people. The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The vision is to provide a world-class Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle. For more information, visit www.bgcsarasota.com or call 941-366-3911. ABOUT TABLESEIDE RESTAURANT GROUP: TableSeide Restaurant Group is a family owned and operated restaurant group influenced by our thirty years restaurant experience and a passion for the world of culinary arts. Inspired by a love of the hospitality industry, worldwide travels, engaging mentors, community outreach, and a mutually shared mission of providing great service, food and drink in a welcoming atmosphere.