Our Mission:
To further the knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of food, wine and arts of the tables.
To promote the education and advancement of, and to offer advice and assistance to, women in careers related to food, wine and hospitality.
To raise and disburse funds for scholarships.
To promote high standards in the supply, preparation and service of food, wine and other beverages.
To mentor and network with fellow members in matters pertaining to food wine and hospitality.

PHILANTHROPY AND FUNDRAISING
The Los Angeles Chapter is philanthropic in nature, and supports a number of community projects through its fundraising efforts. Examples include:

C-CAP, Careers through Culinary Arts Program
CAREERS THROUGH CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM (C-CAP) is a non-profit organization that gives today’s youth the tools and opportunities to become successful in the culinary workplace and in life. LDE-LA has supported C-CAP since 1994 in many ways. Dame Mitzie Cutler is the LA Program Director. Several of our dames sit on the Board of Directors. C-CAP has a partnership with the LA Unified School District High Schools. Working within this alliance, our LA Dames have helped C-CAP students prepare for culinary competions. Since the program began, more than $300,000 in culinary scholarships have been awarded. Our local chapter further supports the program by underwriting materials and giving an annual monetary award. Individual dames support the program by:
• going into the classroom to speak/work with students
• donating food or supplies
• offering jobs or internships
• hosting or underwriting student field trips.
 
Downtown Women’s Center
www.dwc.org
The Downtown Women’s Center is the only facility on Skid Row in downtown with the specific purpose of serving the women of skid row. It is 27 years old, houses a number of women on a permanent basis, and feeds over 250 people a day, with breakfast, lunch and dinner. The LA Chapter of LDEI has graciously supported the DWC in the past with a financial contribution, and has expressed interest in having members give time and energy and food & possibly forming an ongoing relationship with the center to serve meals. We can bring food prepared or prep it there, serve, and also get to know the center a bit more by being on site. Parking in their adjacent is also provided. Dame Marje Bennetts is on their Board of Directors.

Green Tables: The Vet’s Garden/Farmers Market
Another project we are taking on is to help with the Vet’s Garden which is part of a horticultural therapy program at the VA in Westwood. There are approximately 15 acres, plus green houses where the program participants grow plants, flowers and some vegetables to sell to the community. The weekly Westwood Farmers Market has relocated from Westwood Village to the Vets’ Garden where the vets will help with the market. Initially, we will give monetary support. SOS Share out Table Our June 2005 SOS bake sale held at the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market raised $2000. SOS, a national nonprofit organization that works to eliminate childhood hunger in America. These projects are being supported in part by dine-arounds as well as various other fundraising projects. Les Dames d’Escoffier/Los Angeles is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.