Local Chef Donates 'Cowboy Cooking' Class Proceeds to Communities in Schools Students Attending TAMIU Camps

In May, Pete Mims, proprietor of two local restaurants, Border Foundry and Trattoria Mia, taught a fun and entertaining Cowboy Cooking class at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), drawing a large crowd of attendees who watched his demonstrations and sampled mouth-watering dishes.

The class was offered through TAMIU’s Continuing Education Office, and was the fourth event in the University’s occasional cooking series.

Mims recently donated proceeds from his Cooking Series Demonstrations to six students in the Communities in Schools program.

Thanks to Mims’ generosity, high-performing Communities in Schools students, ranging from elementary to high school levels who are part of Communities in Schools, were chosen to participate in TAMIU’s Dusty’s Junior University Summer Camp.

Chef Mims recently donated proceeds from his Cowboy Cooking Class to the Communities in Schools program.

Mims said Border Foundry is delighted to contribute towards students attending Dusty’s Junior University Summer Camp.

“We, at Border Foundry, like to contribute in any way we can, especially when it comes to the youth,” he said, “We have a high interest for at-risk children in our community such as these students from Communities in Schools.”

He continued, “This Summer Camp provides students leadership opportunities, exposure to the college atmosphere, and a chance to meet other children from all walks of life.”

Rosaura Rodríguez, Communities in Schools executive director, said Communities in Schools is grateful for Mims' contribution and the resources and opportunities that TAMIU’s Office of Continuing Education provides through the Dusty’s Junior University Summer Camp.

“Communities in Schools is celebrating its 30th Anniversary,” she said, “This could not have been possible without the support from community partnerships.”

Rodríguez said the Camp experience provides students exposure and enrichment opportunities as well as career readiness. She added that students leave the Camp environment with self-confidence, and a vision to set short and long-term goals.

Communities in Schools works directly in 2,300 schools in 25 states and the District of Columbia to build relationships that empower students to stay in school and succeed in life. Its school-based staff partners with teachers to identify challenges students face in class or at home and coordinate with community partners to bring outside resources inside schools.

Dusty’s Junior University is orchestrated by the Office of Continuing Education every year at TAMIU from early June to late July for students ranging from kindergarten to middle school.

For more information, please about TAMIU Dusty’s Junior University Summer Camp, please contact Michelle Begwin, Office of Continuing Education administrative associate, at 956.326.2837, email michelle.begwin@tamiu.edu or visit the Student Center, room 118.

University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

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