The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation is the only organization in Florida that offers the ProStart program, the Lodging Management Program and the Skills, Tasks and Results Training program.

These programs were developed to increase the quality and employability of today's high school graduates by providing them with training related to important job skills as well as opportunities for careers and higher education.

Students are introduced to careers in foodservice and lodging and are taught basic skills needed for success in these industries.  This is accomplished through dynamic and comprehensive curriculums coupled with on-the-job training.

AL East Champion Tampa Bay Rays Partner with FRLA Educational Foundation for Second Year

The Tampa Bay Rays Foundation and the FRLAEF are again partnering on a fundraising event this year.  Last year’s “Live Auction Broadcast” was a great success and this year’s “Shirts Off Our Backs” promotion promises to be even bigger. 

Raffle tickets will be sold during the Rays games October 1-4, 2009.  The first game is against division rival Baltimore Orioles and the final three games are against the New York Yankees.  Tickets will be sold for $2 each or three-for-$5 beginning two hours before each game through the 4th inning.  Every ticket sold is a winner.  A scratch-off component on the back of each ticket will include everything from free Rays tickets and gear to free food products from well known restaurant operators around the Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg area.  But the real excitement is in knowing that 40 of the tickets will be “golden”, in that they will assure the lucky winner of a Ray’s jersey, literally taken right off their back.  Following the conclusion of the last game of the regular season, these 40 golden ticket holders will be brought down on the field to receive a Ray’s player, manager or coach’s jersey.  Those winning the golden tickets on previous days will be invited back to participate. 

Proceeds will benefit the Rays Foundation and the FRLAEF.  The FRLAEF continues to look for corporate partners to donate scratch-off collateral and is looking for volunteers to sell tickets during the event.  Volunteers will be given complimentary parking, a free t-shirt, be able to watch the remainder of each game (after the 4th inning) and be fed.  For further information, click here or contact Drew McLeod at 850-879-2041.  Help us hit this one out of the park!