Written by Tanya Terry
Because of The Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation, hundreds of community members were recently treated to a Thanksgiving meal fantastically hand-prepared by chefs and culinary arts students at MCC. The Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation, along with Mott Community College and Mass Transportation Authority (MTA), provided hot carry out meals and free rides to and from MCC’s Culinary Arts Institute on Monday, Nov. 25.
The Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation was founded by NBA champion and Flint-native Kyle Kuzma and his mother, Karri Kuzma.
The meals included ham, greens, macaroni and cheese and other Thanksgiving favorites– and were given out by volunteers. Hot cider and coffee were also available.
Beverly Lewis, director Hasselbring Senior Center said MCC invited seniors who utilize Hasselbring to come have Thanksgiving dinner.
“Many of the seniors wanted to come, and I think it was important to bring them,” said Lewis. “I actually chartered a bus so that they wouldn’t have to worry about parking and walking over or trying to find a parking spot. For most of our seniors, the extra meal is going to come in handy for them. Many of our seniors will be at home alone on Thanksgiving. They may not have family members right here with them. This is a camaraderie. They get a chance to come together. Even though we’re not sitting here eating, they have the option of taking it back to the center and going into the auditorium to eat their meal together.”
Brian Baughman, executive director of Franklin Avenue Mission said to the Courier:“Our area definitely is a food desert with not many options for people. This was a very, very great way to feed the people.”
Baughman also stated the Kuzma Foundation has helped the Franklin Avenue Mission multiple times, in various ways.
Two recipients of a new scholarship for single mothers attending Mott Community College Culinary Arts program were also announced at the event. The scholarship will be administered by the Foundation for Mott Community College.
Karri Kuzma told the Courier it was “heartwarming” because she feels these mothers actually need the scholarships and “they will be for the good of them and their families.”
“I was a single mom,” Kuzma added. “I worked a full-time 50-hour workweek job, and I worked a day, part-time job as a massage therapist and I did online school part time working towards getting my degree – all while raising three kids. I know how hard it is to raise a family and have to take care of all the bills and keep a roof over their heads.
37-year-old Katherine Davis and 47-year-old Tamicka Peterson will receive the scholarships to pay their tuition.
Davis hopes to pursue all three culinary degrees: a Bakery and Pastry Arts degree, associate degree in Culinary Arts and associate degree in Food Service Management.
“I plan to have a full-service banquet facility, but I also would like to have a food service truck so I can cover both the sweet and savory side of the kitchen,” Davis said.
Peterson is working to obtain a certificate for Banquets and Pastries and then will pursue an associate degree in Baking.
She also wants to spread the kindness she was shown.
“I want to open my own business,” Peterson said. “There’s not a lot of bakeries, especially Black-owned bakeries. I want to give the community something we don’t have a lot of.”
