• AIR Foundation

  • The AIR Foundation is the community support arm of the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association. In 2007, AIR finalized its AIR Chefs of Tomorrow Scholarship for culinary students at A-B Tech in Asheville. This effort was expanded in 2008 through a variety of efforts and AIR formed a separate Foundation to dispense funds across a broader base. We raise money for the AIR Foundation via our annual fundraisers and through donations from generous individuals, our members, sponsors and associates who make direct financial contributions. These funds are kept completely separate from our operating funds. We have conservatively invested the principal in a separate account. Ultimately, when the Foundation grows, we plan to only disburse the interest to fund our community support concerns.

    “Chef’s of Tomorrow” Scholarship Fund
    Currently, we offer scholarships for culinary students at A-B Tech through our “Chef’s of Tomorrow” scholarship program at A-B Tech. Annually, we donate two $1,000.00 scholarships to culinary students from Buncombe County. Our sponsor, FRS Equipment, partners with us to provide a start up kit of knives and uniforms for the recipients of our scholarships. Other AIR sponsors and supporters have made direct financial contribution the scholarship fund within the Foundation. Many AIR sponsors and associate members have also supported this scholarship fund through in-kind donations. Non-financial donations such as gift cards for school supplies, chef’s coats, culinary ‘gear’ that our student recipients need are also welcome.

    The Long Term Vision
    As the AIR Foundation grows we plan to expand our community support to additional areas that relate directly to the local needs of the Asheville restaurant industry and its employees. These areas include continuing education, staff training, health and insurance needs and workforce housing. There are many possibilities within each of these areas to collaborate with other non-profits and community support organizations. Some of our goals include:

    Develop a certification training program for ‘front of house’ staff and servers, working with A-B Tech and other local schools

    Partnering with Buncombe County Health Clinic to subsidize free hepatitis shots for available to all restaurant staff.

    Promote and assist local agencies dedicated to providing less expensive work force housing for restaurant servers and staff.

    To make a contribution
    Asheville Independent restaurants are the backbone of the local restaurant industry. We are connected and involved in our community and have a vested interest in making the best of our community. Consider partnering with us to sustain and improve our local restaurant industry through the AIR Foundation. You can help us make a difference locally. Any one is welcome at any time to contribute to the AIR Foundation, with an unrestricted or restricted (scholarship fund) donation. Your gifts may be mailed to AIR 6 East Chestnut Street, Asheville, NC 28801, please make your check payable to: AIR Foundation. Thank you!