KRHA awards Chef Rick Martin as Mentor of the Year

WICHITA, Kan: The Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association (KRHA) recently honored five hospitality industry leaders at the Evening of Hospitality Awards and Fundraising Event on Monday, May 11, 2009, at the Hilton Wichita Airport. This event brings together influential hospitality leaders to highlight the accomplishments made within our industry. More than 200 people attended the event, which raised $30,000 for KRHA's Educational Foundation.

KRHA annually recognizes members who have shown tremendous support for its mission, the hospitality industry, and their community. This year Rick Martin was honored for his efforts in mentoring students seeking careers in the hospitality industry. "He has a passion for the hospitality industry and we want to thank him for generously sharing that passion with our ProStart students." said KRHA Chairman Hugh O'Reilly, Jr. In his 17 years at Free State Brewing Company, Rick has created an inviting menu of rustic beer cuisine and invented interesting new ways of pairing food with beer and spirits. He works heavily with his local farmers and farmer's market to promote local food in his community. He is a chef advisor to the Eudora-DeSoto Ed-Tech culinary program, taught by Mr. Jason Gray, and is a parent volunteer at Deerfield Elementary.

Jason Gray says this of their mentor: "He has been more supportive of the program and students this year than anyone since I've been in education. He serves on our advisory committee, has done several food preparation presentations, served as a judge for our program-level competition, has hired our graduates, allowed students to shadow, and much, much more." "When I was told Chef Martin was going to come and demonstrate a few of his favorite dishes for the class, I was excited in more ways than one. I had wanted so badly to work with a chef from the restaurant industry. It was a wonderful experience to receive one on one time with someone who is so knowledgeable. You could ask what you were unsure of, and Chef Martin would give you a time tested answer packed with experience from the industry. I loved the experience and would do it a million times over," said Eudora Senior, Austin Abram.

"These award winners are not only a credit to our profession, but are also dedicated individuals who make our communities better for their involvement," said O'Reilly, Jr. "We are very excited to honor Mr. Martin with this award'" KRHA President/CEO Don Sayler said. "He has given so much to the community, industry, and association and we wanted to recognize him for this commitment."