Cooking, Culture, and Connection: The Kim Family’s Path with Emeril Lagasse Foundation
For the Kim family, life has always been about unexpected paths. In 2005, one of those paths led Shelly and David Kim to the very first Carnivale du Vin, Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s signature fundraising event, which was relocated to Las Vegas following Hurricane Katrina.
“Emeril was always a role model for me,” said David Kim.
“He established his network, brought his skill set to middle America. His spirit has such presence—you know whatever he puts his mind to gets done.”
What began as admiration for Emeril’s presence and approachability grew into something much deeper: a connection to the Foundation’s mission and the people it brings together. The Kims praise not only Emeril’s vision but also the board, leadership, and community that drive the Foundation forward. “He’s got great people,” David said. “That’s what keeps me coming back.”
The Kim family values the Foundation’s unique role in New Orleans. “The social impact is significant,” David explained. “Programs like this are a beacon of light, giving kids opportunities in the culinary world that they might not otherwise have.”
Culinary arts, David believes, carry lessons far beyond the kitchen. “I think culinary arts is a wonderful analogy for life in general,” he said. “It deals with timing, chemistry, biology, botany. It’s holistic and so applicable to everything we manage in life. It forces you to be your own agent for your own nutrition.”
Being from Chicago, David Kim has always felt a strong connection to the late chef Charlie Trotter, a close friend of Chef Emeril. Like Kim, Chef Trotter was a University of Wisconsin Badger. So when the opportunity arose at last year’s Carnivale du Vin to bid on an auction lot donated by Charlie’s widow, Rochelle Trotter, in support of Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Shelly and David jumped at the chance. They not only won the lot but immediately donated it back, allowing the Foundation to raise even more funds to support its mission.
Looking ahead, the Kims are inspired by the Foundation’s momentum as it expands programs nationally and deepens the integration of culinary arts with academics. David supports building on this trajectory—broadening access for more students. “For me, it’s about growth,” he said.
“More schools, more students, and more opportunities to share this culinary culture with the world.”
For Shelly and David Kim, their journey with Emeril Lagasse Foundation has been one of gratitude—gratitude for the connections, the culture, and the opportunities to give back. His story is a reminder of what happens when people come together with a shared mission and vision: lives are changed, communities are strengthened, and new paths unfold.