Women’s Food Alliance, a networking group that promotes and supports women in the hospitality industry from Florida’s Northeast and Central Florida counties to Coastal Georgia, will celebrate their 13th anniversary on April 28.
Leigh Cort, WFA founder and president, said they will be celebrating their “lucky 13th” anniversary at Lynda’s at the South Ponte Vedra Ocean Club. In 2013, the WFA started with eight members and has grown to 175-plus members over the years. WFA members come from diverse cultures and careers in the hospitality industry that include restaurateurs, caterers, chefs, event planners, hoteliers, farms and distinctive event spaces.
To celebrate their growth, the WFA recently invited potential members and guests to learn more about the organization and its expansion into Florida’s Lake County Region. The dinner was held at Mission Resort and Club in Howey-in-the-Hills. This provided the perfect opportunity for prospective and new members to share their business stories and connect with other amazing women in the hospitality industry.
What is current and exciting is that The Women’s Food Alliance encourages youth to express their individuality and curiosity in the kitchen. This spring and summer, WFA is hosting a Kids Can Cook Baking & Dessert Contest: “Why I like to Bake Desserts for My Family.” The finals will be held on July 15 at The Venue in Hastings. The competition is for children ages 8-13 and is open to the public.
Today, a lot of children cook for themselves and their families.
Leigh Cort tells us, “It’s time to honor our children and give them an opportunity to win a prize by turning one of their favorite baked desserts into a family memory.” She explains that many family baking memories are disappearing today, and The Women’s Food Alliance wants to encourage children to keep that tradition alive all while using healthy and delicious ingredients.
To enter, kids must submit their recipes with a story about the dessert and why they chose it for their entry. Prizes for the contest will be awarded to four winners. The Grand Prize winner will receive a two-night family vacation at Mission Resort and Club in Howey-in-the-Hills. Finalists will be invited to attend the in-person judging at the baking finals. Entries must be submitted by June 19 to leigh@leighcortpublicity.com.
To learn more about this fun and exciting competition, go to https://tinyurl.com/wfabaking.
Hospitality is a beautiful, yet challenging, industry and the way WFA members support each other with so much care is truly inspirational. Having enjoyed an exciting and eventful 13 years, the next 13 are sure to be filled with even more community, growth, success and celebration.
To learn more about Women’s Food Alliance, go to https://www.womensfoodalliance.com.
