Chef Irie Spice Goes North To Cook For A Cause in Jacksonville At "A Night on the Hill"

Online, January 11, 2011 (Newswire.com) - South Florida's local talent and culinary architect, Hugh Sinclair, aka Chef Irie Spice participates in the event honoring the life of former slave Rhoda L. Martin, who because of her belief that no child should be denied an education regardless of color, opened her house and taught 'colored' children at the kitchen table of her home in the neighborhood known as the Hill. As a result of her determination and fortitude, the city in 1939, built the first elementary school for 'colored' children called the Jacksonville Beach Elementary School #144. Today that building, which functioned in the past as not only a school but also a community center and a well baby clinic, now bears the name "The Rhoda L. Martin Heritage Cultural Center". Staying the dream of Rhoda L. Martin, the Jacksonville Beach Elementary School Fund continues to deliver on her mission of education for all children.

"I am only too happy to participate in this special event. I am a big proponent of education and honoring the accomplishments of a woman who through her own determination, single-handedly educated black children in the community called the Hill, is a fitting endeavor. I see no better way to utilize my skills; I am honored to be invited to participate, said Chef Hugh".

This year's fund-raising event, brought to you in part by Culinary Wonders USA, will take place at the historic Casa Marina Hotel and features a five course meal paired with an impressive selection of wines from South African Wineries, a tour of the Rhoda L. Martin Cultural Center, and complimented with the wonderful sounds of jazz in the air.

Festivities start at 5:30 pm on Monday, January 17th, tickets are $125 and are available for purchase at: http://www.rhodalmartinculturalheritagecenter.com

About Jacksonville Elementary School Fund
The Jacksonville Beach Elementary Fund Inc., was created by former students who wanted to keep the memory and dream of Rhoda L. Martin alive. The not for profit preservation organization continues the mission of Rhoda L. Martin to TEACH, SUPPORT, GROW the youth by creating and operating programs that will promote literacy and objectives that will encourage cultural history.

About Chef Irie Spice
Hugh Sinclair, a.k.a. Chef Irie Spice, the Global Culinary Architect, is the executive chef of Irie Spice Inc.-Personal Chef Catering Services providing services to the tri-county area of South East Florida. Chef Hugh hails from the Caribbean Island of Jamaica, where he grew up on a sugar plantation. Before relocating to the sunshine state, Hugh migrated with his family to New York. He completed his college career at the Univ. of Florida earning a BS from the renowned School of Architecture. Hugh always had a passion for cooking and felt right at home in the kitchen. After working several years as an architect, the yearning to create culinary masterpieces vs. architectural aesthetics overtook his desires. It was then that Hugh enrolled in Johnson & Wales University's Culinary Arts program embarking on his culinary journey. Graduating with an Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts, Hugh has taken on the South Florida culinary landscape by storm. Being a personal chef has allowed him to work with entertainers, athletes and many South Florida elite. Chef Irie provides services throughout South Florida but travels upon request. For more info visit http://www.iriespice.com or contact him at 954.557.4742.