Grant Recipient Artley "Van" Pullum's Letter to Chefs4Students.org


As most people here know by now, I was one of the lucky winners for this past presentation of grants. I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for this extreme honor. I am still in shock!
Six months ago, I honestly thought I didn’t have a lobster’s chance in the hotpot, but I see that hard work pays off. That is what everyone at the Yampa Valley Foundation has been doing for a while now. My special thanks to all of the Chefs that have banned together to continuously aid future generations of culinarians, like me. I feel extremely grateful to receive this award. I know there were many people involved in the process of deciding who may be eligible, and I realize also that everyone puts forth the heart and effort into making their passion an art and a career is as deserving as anyone else. I was lucky to have been briefly trained by one of the best Chefs I have ever had the pleasure to meet: Mike Elsner. He opened my eyes to the true aspects of being a Chef (And by the way, I never did find that left-handled pot stretcher!)

Culinary Arts mean so much to me, ever since I first began cooking with my great-grandmother. I know she is proud of me for all of my accomplishments. With this award, I feel the same sense of pride in myself, as if I know that this is the right choice for me. Just when I thought that there was no one who could help me pull through, or if I was even making the right choices, Chefs4students stood out among the crowd. By giving me the means to express my strengths, paving the road for my self-confidence, and making me aware that anything is possible if you work hard, stay honest, and never give up what you love. Your organization really does make a difference in our lives. If only we could return the depth of favor you have given, I would gladly do so.

Chefs4students, thank you all for helping me get on my way to helping others. Hey people, this grant is not too good to be true- it really does happen, and really does help! I will apply again in the future, and I plan to contribute back once I get on my way. Chefs, Thank you for all of your hard work and determination. With out your input, planning, and concern for people like me, I probably would not get the chance to finish my degree. I hope you realize how much you and this organization have helped me.

I have big plans for my future. I am doing well in school-top of my class so far. I dedicate my passion to my Uncle and Granny, my success to Chef Elsner’s teachings, and my extreme gratitude to Chefs4students. I would invite ANY of you to my Chef’s table any day!

Yours Truly,
Van Pullum
Dedicated Patron to the Art of Le Culinaire