Cookin’ Up Smiles and Breakfast at Woolley ES

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a school cafeteria filled with hungry kids, the smell of a freshly prepared breakfast, and a few special surprises to kick off the school day! Chefs for Kids recently brought its Cookin’ Up Breakfast program to Gwendolyn Woolley ES, serving up a delicious morning meal and plenty of smiles along the way.

A Celebrity Chef (and a Four-Legged Friend!)

As students made their way into the cafeteria, we heard some pretty enthusiastic reactions. “It’s a professional chef!” one student exclaimed, while another declared, “It’s my favorite celebrity!” Talk about a warm welcome!

But the morning had another special guest stealing the spotlight: Mozart, the service dog belonging to one of our board members, who arrived dressed for the occasion in an adorable chef’s costume. Students couldn’t resist stopping by to give Mozart some love, and the furry chef quickly became a fan favorite. One teacher summed it up perfectly: “He made my morning!”

Between the excitement of meeting the chefs and getting a chance to pet Mozart, it was clear that this breakfast was about more than what was on the menu. It was about creating joyful moments that help make school a special place to be.

A Delicious Breakfast, Fresh from the Kitchen

Of course, the real stars of Cookin’ Up Breakfast are the meals themselves! The talented students from the College of Southern Nevada’s Culinary Club, led by Chef John Metcalf, put their culinary skills to work preparing a breakfast that gave students plenty of reasons to clean their plates.

The morning’s menu featured breakfast pizza, crispy tater tots, and refreshing fruit and yogurt parfaits. It was a hearty, delicious way to fuel up for a day of learning!

And no breakfast would be complete without something to wash it all down. Jamba Juice was on hand with its always-popular smoothies, adding a refreshing treat to the morning meal. We even caught a sweet moment when Jamba Juice leader Mike Ty helped students make a little extra room on their plates to accommodate their smoothies. It’s the little things that make a big difference!

Meanwhile, our friends at Anderson Dairy were already hard at work before most volunteers had even arrived. The Anderson Dairy milkman made an early-morning delivery to ensure students had fresh milk waiting for breakfast. It’s just one more example of the many moving parts and dedicated partners that make these mornings possible.

Community Leaders Join Us at the Breakfast Table

Cookin’ Up Breakfast is about bringing the community together to nourish our youngest neighbors, and this visit included some extra-special guests who came to see that mission in action.

A special shout-out goes to Commissioner William McCurdy II, who rolled up his sleeves and jumped right into the fun, helping serve breakfast to the students. We also welcomed representatives from Congressman Steven Horsford’s office, who stopped by to see firsthand how Chefs for Kids is making a difference in local schools.

Having community leaders join us at the breakfast table is a wonderful reminder that supporting children’s health and well-being is a community effort. When schools, volunteers, local businesses, culinary professionals, and community leaders come together, we can help ensure more students have access to nutritious food and opportunities to learn healthy habits.

Helping Kids Start Their Day the Right Way

Every Cookin’ Up Breakfast event is a reminder that a nutritious meal can do so much more than satisfy a hungry stomach. It can help students feel cared for, build connections with their community, and start the school day ready to learn.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make our morning at Gwendolyn Woolley Elementary such a success, including the CSN Culinary Club and Chef John Metcalf, Jamba Juice, Anderson Dairy, Commissioner William McCurdy II, the representatives from Congressman Steven Horsford’s office, our dedicated volunteers, and, of course, the school staff who welcomed us with open arms.

And we can’t forget Mozart, whose four-legged charm made the morning even more memorable!

Help Us Keep Cookin’!

Behind every breakfast served is a community of supporters who believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Your generosity helps Chefs for Kids bring nutritious meals, hands-on nutrition education, and healthier habits to children throughout Southern Nevada.

Want to help us serve up more smiles? Make a donation today to support Chefs for Kids and help us continue nourishing young minds and bodies, one breakfast at a time.

Every contribution makes a difference, and together, we can help more children start their school days with the nutrition they need to succeed.

Donate today and help us keep cookin’!