Charity

Proceeds from Cheers to Hospitality benefit the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that focuses on changing lives through hospitality, for people from all backgrounds, with training, education, and pathways to opportunity. 

Foundation Impact

Scholarships

The Foundation has awarded more than $950,000 in scholarships to 950+ bright and talented students pursuing a degree in the food and hospitality industry. These scholarships make a meaningful difference—and are an investment in the industry’s future leaders.

Wisconsin ProStart® Program

A high school culinary arts and hospitality management curriculum that ignites students’ passion for the restaurant industry. Wisconsin ProStart is offered in 115+ high schools, training more than 8,400 students annually. It empowers students through training, mentorships, networking, competition and experiential learning opportunities. 

Wisconsin ProStart Invitational

A popular, intense and high-stakes competition where students showcase their culinary talents and management knowledge and receive feedback from the industry’s top professionals. The state culinary and management champions represent Wisconsin at the National ProStart Invitational where they compete against their peers from other states.

ProStart Career & Industry Expos

One day field trips that blend a fun day of student learning and career exploration, introducing students to the vibrant hospitality industry. Each expo features behind-the-scenes venue operation tours, a career exploration pavilion showcasing diverse employers, a culinary demonstration and skills lab, a job readiness center, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.