Building a Community of Change: A Message from Debbie Lindberg and Dave Wenner

At Emeril Lagasse Foundation, we inspire, mentor, and enable youth to reach their full potential, and have transformed lives and communities since 2002. Through education, mentorship, and opportunity, we’ve seen how our programs create measurable, lasting change for children across the country. This mission is what first brought our dear friends Dave Wenner and Debbie Lindberg into the fold, and it’s what has kept them as loyal supporters and friends for more than two decades.

Dave’s connection to Chef Emeril began even before the Foundation was created. As the former CEO of B&G Foods, he worked with Emeril to bring his signature food products to grocery shelves. That professional partnership quickly grew into a shared passion for giving back. When the Foundation launched, Dave and Debbie immediately saw its potential.

“What stood out to us from the beginning was the authenticity behind the mission,” Dave and Debbie shared. “It’s not just words—they live it. They are passionate about helping kids succeed, and the results speak for themselves.”

Over the years, Dave and Debbie have seen the impact of our work firsthand. One of their most memorable experiences was visiting St. Michael Special School, a longtime beneficiary of the Foundation. “When you visit a place like St. Michael’s, you can see the difference this support makes. The students are thriving—they’ve matured and grown in ways you can see and feel. That’s the kind of transformation you want to be a part of,” Dave explained.

This year, Dave and Debbie celebrated the 20th anniversary of Carnivale du Vin, our annual fundraising gala. Reflecting on their experience, they remarked, “St. Michael’s has grown so much—in facilities, programs, and the lives it touches. It’s a clear sign of how strong and effective the Foundation’s support truly is.”

They also shared a story that captures Emeril’s unique ability to connect with kids: “We were in a hotel lobby, and this boy, maybe six or seven years old, walked up to Emeril and said, ‘Emeril, can I have a BAM?’ Of course, Emeril goes, ‘BAM!’” It’s that spirit of joy and encouragement that defines everything we do, empowering young people to dream big and achieve more.

Dave and Debbie’s unwavering dedication to our mission inspires us every day.

“This is an organization where there are actual results, and you can feel very good about your contributions being turned into things that really help these kids grow into a livelihood of their own,” they said.

As we reflect on the past year, we are profoundly grateful for friends like Dave and Debbie, whose generosity fuels our work. Together, we are building a community of individuals who believe in the transformative power of education, mentorship, and opportunity. And together, we are ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.