The idea for Common Threads began in the aftermath of 9/11. Art Smith, cookbook author and Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef, founded the program after joining Oprah on a trip to New York to cook for families who had lost loved ones in the tragedy. With a vision of educating children about cultural diversity, tolerance and personal development, Art realized that food was the common denominator that links us all. Common Threads was born with a mission “to educate children on the importance of nutrition and physical well-being and to instill an appreciation of diversity through cooking.”

After four years of respected and successful program delivery in Chicago, Common Threads has now begun a national pilot program in Los Angeles. Michelle Whiting & Associates is assisting Common Threads with foundation relations, grants development, and identification of Los Angeles based program partnerships.

www.commonthreads.org

Michelle Whiting understands nonprofits. She is not only well respected in the Los Angeles foundation and nonprofit arena, but also her natural instincts for quickly understanding an organization, allow one to set a record breaking pace for moving forward with fundraising strategies. Her high energy, no-nonsense, efficient approach was a breath of fresh air; she quickly became a valued teammate for me and a fast friend.

Linda Novick Okeefe
Executive Director
Common Threads