Partnership Starlight Award

Each year, The Maryville City Schools Foundation (MCSF) presents awards to honor outstanding alumni and supporters of Maryville City Schools at their Starlight Gala. On March 3, 2018, MCSF will honor will honor the Blackberry Farm Foundation with the Foundation Partnership Starlight Award.

The award is in recognition of the Blackberry Farm Foundation’s collaborative efforts and financial support for the Maryville High School culinary arts building, programming and Café le Reve, a school-run restaurant that creates opportunities for disabled and challenged students to get an introduction to the hospitality industry and learn viable career skills.

Sam Beall was an early supporter of the school’s dream to create a premier culinary arts program. Following his untimely death, Mary Celeste Beall, the Blackberry Farm Foundation and the Blackberry Farm team were dedicated to carrying on Sam’s desire to help.

“I am honored to be continuing the support and passion for Café le Reve and the culinary program that Sam started,” said Mary Celeste. “Educating students about where their food comes from, how to develop their skills in the kitchen, and how to take those skills out into the real world is an incredible endeavor that I hope everyone has an opportunity to learn, and it’s wonderful to see that knowledge inspire a passion for culinary and hospitality well beyond the classroom.”

Blackberry Farm has given more than $220,000 over the past several years to help Maryville City Schools with these endeavors. Financial and in-kind support has provided marketing, graphic design, interior design, culinary knowledge, culinary and building planning, media support, top-of-the-line kitchen equipment and a facilitated donation from Le Creuset of $15,000 worth of cookware for student use.