Meet Our First NGI Scholarship Recipient

Upon Graduating from Bucknell University in 1998, Lindsey joined the Peace Corps and later attended graduate school for International Development. After a few years in the international community, she joined the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program where for four years she worked with communities across the city creating public art while also taking classes in baking and pastry at the Art Institute of Philadelphia.  In deciding how to combine her community focus with her passion for cooking, she discovered the Natural Gourmet Institute and soon after found out about Palette’s Scholarship with the school.

Like the work that Palette is doing in Harlem with child obesity, Lindsey recognizes the same need in Philadelphia, her home town, and plans on making a difference in the communities’ ability to gain access to healthy food and education.  After receiving her degree from NGI she plans on making her way back to Philadelphia to do just that.  She also lost a loved one to cancer, her aunt, and was able to see first hand what healthy eating can do to one’s life while going through such a difficult diagnosis.  Like Rand, it was too late for food to help extend her life, but it made the life she had left just that much sweeter.

Upon learning of her scholarship, I received a very touching email from Lindsey and she agreed to let me share some of it here:

I cannot begin to express just how deeply touched I am that you and Ruth have chosen me for this scholarship.  I spent my Thanksgiving, quite honestly, thinking about Rand. I looked at the website, read the blog that you posted, and was hit with such strong emotions. Sad that you lost a beautiful soulmate and partner, and that the world lost a devoted brother. And warmed by knowing that clearly he impacted so many in his lifetime - and that his loving spirit continues on in so many ways, particularly with the work that you and Ruth are doing. I feel blessed to be one more person that can take his life mission into mine, continually feeling overwhelmed with honor that you have found value in what I have done in my life, and respect for the potential of what’s to come. You have given me a small piece of Rand to carry with me in my heart. I hope to make him proud.

These words hit home and reminded me why Palette exists and why the work we are doing is so important.  Rand DID impact so many in his lifetime and with people like Lindsey coming into our lives, we will ensure that his loving spirit will continue on and spread throughout the country. 

Thank you Lindsey for seeing Rand’s light and we look forward to helping you achieve your goals and seeing what you accomplish down the road.  Congratulations!

One More Day -

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