Herron’s Healthy Eating Heroes

Two days before the kitchens at Luxor, Excalibur, and Mandalay Bay would come alive in preparation for Dinner & Auction #34, the chefs had an even more important service to attend to—one that didn’t require black-tie attire, but did call for heart, creativity, and a whole lot of breakfast.

At Fay Herron Elementary School, our youngest VIPs were the guests of honor.

The morning began not with menus, but with magic. As students arrived, they were welcomed by a team of enthusiastic volunteers who helped each child don a custom chef hat labeled “Healthy Eating Hero.” Decorated with a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, the hats weren’t just fun, they reinforced a message our program champions every day: eat a rainbow of produce. From there, students made their way down the line, stopping for a high five from dedicated volunteer Tom Rosenberger before heading into the cafeteria.

And what a sight awaited them.

Inside, a lineup of professional chefs stood ready behind tables of prepared breakfast foods designed just for them. The menu struck a balance between nourishing and exciting: Breakfast Potato Hash & Cheesy Scramble, Maple Sausage Links, Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits with house-made granola, and colorful fruit skewers. It was a meal crafted not only to satisfy hunger, but to spark curiosity about food and reinforce the joy of eating well.

Then came the surprise.

Each student received a slice of red velvet cake topped with cream cheese icing and adorned with their school mascot—a lion. While cake might not be the poster child for healthy eating, it served a valuable purpose. In our nutrition education, we talk about “sometimes foods”—those treats that can be enjoyed occasionally and in moderation. And if there were ever a moment that qualified, it was this one. The chefs’ thoughtful addition of the school mascot turned dessert into something memorable, meaningful, and even a little magical—encouraging students to fully engage with the meal in front of them.

Events like Cookin’ Up Breakfast go beyond a single meal. They create positive experiences around food, introduce students to new flavors, and reinforce lessons that can last a lifetime. Most importantly, they remind these kids that they are seen, celebrated, and worthy of something special.

But mornings like this don’t happen without support.

If you believe every child deserves a seat at the table—and a breakfast that inspires them to learn, grow, and thrive—consider making a donation to Chefs for Kids. Your support helps bring more meals, more smiles, and more “Healthy Eating Heroes” to life across our community.

Together, we can keep cooking up something bigger than breakfast.