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What does “paying it forward” look like?  This fall, my colleagues and I were fortunate to bear witness to a true act of generosity initiated by the Tabard Inn benefiting our Carlos Rosario School graduates and programs.

On a recent evening over 100 guests filled the Inn’s upstairs event rooms and enjoyed live music, a menu planned and prepared by Executive Sous Chef and Carlos Rosario School graduate Ruben Echeverría, and participated in a silent auction.  The Tabard Inn covered the cost of the food, labor, and beverages and General Manager Dave and Chef Ruben helped the School’s team plan the event.   Ruben showcased his culinary genius with a beautiful spread including scallops crudo, a risotto bar, a fresh taco station, ceviche, dips, and fresh baked sweets.

The platform the Inn provided offered the opportunity to shine a light on the School’s mission through our graduates.  Josephine, Osman, and Juan Carlos took the microphone and shared about their journeys at the event. Through ticket sales and a silent auction, the School raised over $14,000, which will go in part to supporting these recent graduates to continue and complete their college studies in nursing, hotel management, and education.

Our graduates are committed to paying it forward following in the footsteps of Ruben Echevarria and his employer. Ruben immigrated from his native El Salvador to Washington, DC at the age of 18 with support from his mother in order to avoid gang recruitment.   He and wife are parents to two young children. . Ruben learned English and then completed Culinary Arts career training studies at the Carlos Rosario School.

Founded in 1922, the Tabard Inn is DC’s oldest continuously operated hotel. The Inn’s restaurant has received accolades including being named one of the 100 Best Brunch Places in America by OpenTable.

The Carlos Rosario School exists to support Washington, DC’s adult immigrant community to thrive through high quality training and student services.  The School is publicly funded as an adult education charter school.  The School partners with donors and local businesses like the Tabard Inn to expand the impact of our model so that our immigrant community goes beyond survival to thriving and leadership in our communities.

Allison Kokkoros