The Chopping Blog

This month, I get to write about something very near and dear to my heart.  It is the upcoming 7^th Annual Get Gourmet with Namaste! being held at The Chopping Block’s at the Mart on October 14, which also happens to be my birthday. Namaste is a Charter School striving to “fight childhood obesity and improve urban students’ academic performance by combining health, nutrition, and physical fitness with a rigorous academic curriculum”.  It just so happens that it is the school my husband started teaching at the same time I started working at the The Chopping Block… a complete coincidence.

Get Gourmet with Namaste! is an exciting event where attendants participate in hands-on cooking, sample tasty food and wine, and bid on a wide array of items in the silent and live auctions.  All the proceeds from the fundraiser help Namaste develop and expand its current programs.

Besides having a driven and passionate staff, Namaste provides its students with innovative programs including healthy breakfasts and lunches with vegetarian options, morning movement, a physical education program and the Peaceful People conflict resolution curriculum. If you have children or are familiar with today’s education system, you know these programs make Namaste not only unique, but also outstanding.

If you can’t attend, there are several ways to be part of this event.  You can bid on items that are part of the online auction such as spa packages, getaways, and much more.  Also, the person that refers the most people to Namaste’s online auction wins two hands-on cooking classes generously donated by The Chopping Block. I’m currently in first place!

I must admit that I am really proud that my husband and I work for such great organizations that promote healthy lifestyles.  Also, it is nice to know that for the past seven years The Chopping Block’s wonderful Private Events Team has made Get Gourmet with Namaste! such a successful event.  If you have ever been part of one of the many private events they organize, you know our team can really throw a party!

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Amanda Aristeo is originally from Traverse City, Michigan and has lived in Chicago for the past 7 years. After the birth of her son, Mario, she left her position at the Chicago City Clerk’s Office to dedicate herself to her family and pursue a part-time career in a field she is passionate about: food. Remembering how much she enjoyed attending classes at The Chopping Block, she applied at Lincoln Square and now works as a Class Assistant and Retail Associate. When Amanda isn’t creating meatless meals for her family, she is busy attending aquababies, Tiny Tots or spending time with her wonderful husband.

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Tags: academic, auction, breakfast, childhood obesity, health, lunch, Namaste Charter School, nutrition, physical fitness, vegetarian

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