Blog
In an effort to show appreciation to loyal guests, supporters, and the local community, Miss Shirley’s Cafe was excited to kick off “10 Months of Shirley’s Giving” campaign in May.
As part of this Charitable Campaign, for the month of June, Miss Shirley’s partnered with Teach For America to support their annual “First Taste of Baltimore” on Wednesday, June 17, 2015.
Teach for America is the national corps of recent college graduates that commit to serving for two years in 50 of the country’s most underserved areas. In Baltimore alone, Teach for America supports nearly 300 first- and second-year teachers and 700 program alumni. The organization seeks to eliminate educational inequality by ensuring that all children have the opportunity to attain a proper education.
The “First Taste of Baltimore” event aims to welcome these new teachers to Baltimore and provide them with a great first impression and “taste” of Charm City culture.
Miss Shirley’s Cafe was happy to attend and serve as a restaurant sponsor for the event, donating food for the 350+ attendees. Chef Lenny Russell, with the assistance of General Manager Kelly Behnken and Director of Marketing & PR Jennifer McIllwain, served Miss Shirley’s specialty Southern Barbecue Deviled Eggs with Blackened Shrimp, local Baltimore Barbecue Company’s Chesapeake Sauce and Micro Greens, dusted with Cajun Spice & Parsley.
Managing Member of Miss Shirley's Cafe, David Dopkin, said "I personally hold organizations such as Teach for America near and dear to my heart, as my wife and partner, Brandy, and I were both fifth grade teachers in the Baltimore-Metropolitan Region for five years. I am proud of the young teachers who are a part of this program and appreciate their dedication to ensuring that each child in our community receives an excellent education."
Along with the new teachers and Teach for America organization leaders, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake was in attendance, and made an encouraging speech to all of the newly graduated professionals. The “First Taste of Baltimore” was a successful and enjoyable event for all who attended, and Miss Shirley's was glad to be among the donors for this worthy cause.
Miss Shirley's Cafe looks forward to continuing #ShirleysGiving throughout the rest of the restaurant's 10th Anniversary Year. Further updates on the restaurant's charitable campaign will be sent in the upcoming months, through February 2016.
