“Best of Boston” Event at NECAT is a celebratory, communal evening

On May 16th, NECAT welcomed more than 100 guests for a mouth-watering BBQ meal from Chef Andy Husbands of the Smoke Shop, craft beers from Night Shift and delicious pies from Flour Bakery + Café. NECAT graduates and current students helped prepare, serve and make the evening a great success.

As Chef Husbands said, BBQ is truly a communal, celebratory meal. This was evident as NECAT friends, old and new, gathered in celebration and support of NECAT’s efforts in transforming lives.

It was particularly moving to have two NECAT graduates, Troy and David, assisting Chef Husbands in the kitchen. Both have been employed at the Smoke Shop since they graduated from our program and are thriving there as Line Cooks.

Left to right: Troy, NECAT Graduate, April ’17; Chef Andy Husbands; David, NECAT Graduate, February ’18.

The special evening was followed the next day by a NECAT commencement ceremony. We graduated 16 individuals — 14 of them already with great job offers in hand with employer such as Encore Boston Harbor, Whole Foods, Rosa Mexicano and Delaware North. You can see photos of the graduation here.

We are grateful to our supporters at every level — those who are new to NECAT, and those who continue to invest in our mission. Click here to see more photos from the evening.