CRESSKILL, N.J.—Jack Koumbis, former chef and owner of the Assembly Steakhouse and The Bicycle Club of Englewood Cliffs—who has begun a second career as a real estate broker—will be teaching a group of local scouts to cook some Thanksgiving treats to benefit Merlin’s KIDS.
Koumbis had a long and successful career as a chef, restaurateur, and manager of establishments in New York, New Jersey and Miami. Graduating number one from the Culinary Institute of America and rising to be chairman of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association are just a few of his accomplishments. Koumbis now gives back to the local community in many ways by running charity events and offers his expertise from over 40 years in hospitality to local charities.
“I am happy to share what I have learned with others as I am grateful for the many successes I have had through the years and this is just an easy way for me to pay it forward,” says Koumbis.
Merlin’s KIDS rescues and rehabilitates shelter dogs and changes their lives by turning them into service dogs. These service dogs are then placed with candidates that are challenged with different needs. So, in essence, the dogs save the kids and the kids save the dogs; It’s a match made in heaven! They are a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization out of Midland park.
The charity event—Kooking with Koumbis—will be held on Nov. 16 at the Cresskill American Legion from 12 to 4 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Merlin’s KIDS. The Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts will be on hand, helping to cook and earning their cooking and community service badges. The event is open to the public; come watch the kids cook and try some tasty treats!
Suggested donations are $15 for adults and $7 for kids. A few of Merlin’s KIDS service animals are expected to make an appearance.
For more information contact The Koumbis Group at (201) 925-8825 or visit www.merlinskids.org.