We’re committed to supporting initiatives for students K-12, through programs sponsored through The Pasco Education Foundation, The Pinellas Education Foundation, and the Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc.

We contribute time and money to support these Foundations, enabling these Foundations to disburse monies for the Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy of Tarpon Springs High School, creative teaching grants, 21st Century scholarships in the fields of Math, Science and Technology, Chair Scholarships for Physically Disabled, and Culinary Arts Scholarships to the students of these public schools.

Durable employees actively participate in and support the Pasco Economic Development Council, Leadership Pasco, cancer research institute initiatives and community initiatives like The Angelus. The Angelus is a "place to live, to love, to learn". It is home for severely handicapped persons who are not able to care for themselves. All of the residents and students have cerebral palsy and all use wheelchairs. Some are non-verbal, some are blind, some are deaf, some are mentally retarded, some have normal intelligence, but all understand kindness and love.

Through the commitment of our founders, Denis A. Griesmer and Gregory E. Morrissey, the strength of these non-profit organizations continues to be enhanced each year.

In support of this mission, organizations and foundations are funded through a company donation based on a portion of the company’s annual profits as well as direct contributions from Denis A. Griesmer and Gregory E. Morrissey.

The Pasco Education Foundation celebrates our public school's achievements and invests community resources to enrich educational opportunities for students and educators.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day each year, we steer clear of the traditional in favor of attending "The Cinderella Ball".   The evening features a champagne reception, shake it up cocktails, a memorable meal, a decadent dessert bar, dancing, live and silent auctions.

The annual proceeds from this event benefit the many programs of the Pasco Education Foundation, Inc. such as the Cinderella and Prince Charmings projects,the Take Stock in Children Program, student post-high school tuition scholarships, creative teaching grants and recognition events for students and district employees not otherwise funded by tax dollars.

We’re particularly proud of the on-going work at the Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc.  They are committed to working in a collaborative partnership with families and communities to establish and maintain a nurturing environment for children.

We’ve recently learned that the YFA Runaway Shelter in Pasco County is one of Tampa Bay area's leading providers of social services to children and families; they are dedicated to strengthening the family throughout their many programs.  Durable is committed to providing monies to YFA so they can maintain the nurturing environment that they’ve created for children.

We endorse the effort of YFA to help families ensure a healthy and safe environment in which to flourish...a nurturing, supportive environment free of drugs and alcohol abuse, free from physical, emotional and sexual abuse.  Durable realizes that for our children to be the hope of tomorrow, they must be given the YFA help they need today.

Our firm is sponsoring the Rap River Run and its one mile Fun Run on June 13, 2009.  This money will help aid in the critical services the Rap House provides for our local youth in need.

Leadership Pasco’s mission is to identify and recruit current or potential leaders of Pasco County, facilitate the development and interaction of those leaders, and to foster an issues-oriented learning environment for those leaders and the citizens of Pasco County in order to encourage an exchange of ideas and to generate enthusiasm for community growth and development.

The Leadership Pasco, Class of 2009 will host its First Annual "A Taste of Pasco" during the weeks of May 16, 2009 through June 30, 2009.

The Taste of Pasco receipts will support the local Non-Profit "Center for Independence".  Our goal is to raise at least $5,000 to put towards a new travel van that will be used by the Center to transport disabled individuals throughout Pasco County.  The monies received from the sale of the passports will be instrumental in achieving this goal.

In Pasco County, we want our students to be the fuel of the economic engine driving our local economy.

The Career Academy initiative offers rigorous and relevant career education by providing a vital link between education and industry. It is an effort to prepare students to meet the challenges of the 21st Century and for success in the global marketplace.

Future opportunities for Certified Career Academy students are limitless. Graduates will have the opportunity to continue their education at a college or university, enter the workforce directly upon graduation in a high paying career or both.

Land O’ Lakes High School is currently in the planning and development phase for a Culinary Certified Career Academy. The Academy is scheduled to open for the 2009-2010 school year.

In this Academy students will learn the "ins" and "outs" of the Culinary: ServSafe Food Safety, Sanitation, Nutrition and Agriculture industries.

Students will complete hands-on activities in the commercial kitchen, as well as, the horticulture area on campus to demonstrate comprehensive of classroom lectures and techniques.

Upon completion of the program, students will be industry certified and eligible for the Durable Culinarian Scholarships.

Durable North America the commercial Foodservice and Supermarket equipment dealer/distributor to award $5,000 in Durable Culinarian Scholarships to Pasco County Florida, Career Academy graduates.

There will be one scholarship awarded per student from the Pasco County School District from the Menu below:

(1) $1,000 scholarship for the top American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Culinarian (CC) applicant.

(1) $1,000 scholarship for the top (ACF) Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) applicant.

(1) $1,000 scholarship for the top Florida ProStart® applicant.

There will also be a combined quantity of: (4) - $500 scholarships for Florida ProStart®, CC or CPC applicants and (25) 8-piece Durable Garnishing Tool Kits awarded to the top 25 applicants.

The scholarship awards must be distributed no later than June 30, 2012.  The scholarship recipients must currently be seniors in good standing in a Career Academy and in High School.  The recipients must be able to provide proof of enrollment in a post-secondary college by June 30, 2012.

To be considered for these scholarships, the student must complete the following and return to the Pasco Education Foundation, Inc. no later than 5pm on March 30, 2012.

Click and learn more about Pasco County Certified Career Academies and how they are changing the lives of our children.