Aspiring Teen Chefs in the South Bronx Work With Famed Culinary Superstar

Lily Kesselman's photo of aspiring teen chef (right) working with
Mark Bittman and Next Generation chef, Luanne Blaauboer

South Bronx-based photographer Lily Kesselman is a regular contributor to BoogieDowner's 'Photo of the Day' feature... Click here to see a few of the stunning images she's captured around her neighborhood.

Well, in a weird twist it actually turns out that Lily regularly photographs events for The Children's Aid Society, which is one of BoogieDowner's long-time sponsors. Small world up here in the BoogieDown...

Anyway, earlier this month The Children's Aid Society held a unique reception at its Next Generation Center in the South Bronx. Teens who are members of Next Generation Caterers, a training and employment program that prepares youth for professional careers, worked to prepare a meal for 60 attendees. Mark Bittman, chef, author, and New York Times Columnist, was on hand to offer guidance and cover the story, and Lily Kesselman captured terrific photos of the teens in culinary action. Click here to view Bittman's piece for the Times.

Congrats on your photo landing in the Times, Lily! Click here to check out Lily's website or here to view more photos from the Next Generation event. And kudos to Children's Aid Society for providing this wonderful development opportunity for Bronx youth! Click here if you are interested in learning how you can partner with the Children's Aid Society to help the youth of NYC.

~ErLu