Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) Culinary Arts students rolled up their sleeves this week to support an important community effort — thanks to a meaningful collaboration with R.M. Davis, a local private wealth management firm with offices in Portland and Portsmouth. 
Each year, R.M. Davis closes its offices for a companywide Day of Service, selecting a charitable focus based on what matters most to its employees. This year, food insecurity rose to the top.
“We asked our team what causes were most important to them, and food insecurity stood out,” said Kathleen de Silva, Vice President and Director of Marketing and Communications at R.M. Davis. “We wanted to do something meaningful — something hands-on — so when we connected with Wayside Community Programs and SMCC, the partnership was a perfect fit.”
PHOTO GALLERY | https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCBSsC
Nearly 50 R.M. Davis employees joined SMCC Culinary Arts students and faculty in the College’s teaching kitchens to prepare 75 pies and dozens of dinner rolls. The baked goods will be included in Thanksgiving food boxes distributed through Wayside Food Programs — which, coincidentally, is led by SMCC Culinary graduate Don Morrison.
For SMCC, the collaboration is a unique opportunity to give back to the community while building student skills, confidence, and connections.
“Any time our students can work directly with community partners, it’s a win,” said Maureen LaSalle, SMCC Culinary Arts chair and director of the L. Joe Van Why School of Hospitality. “These experiences help them network, step into leadership roles, and see the impact they can make. Today our students were managing the lab, guiding volunteers, and truly shining.”
The Day of Service not only supported a crucial community need — it gave SMCC students the chance to apply their training in a real-world setting, meet industry professionals, and contribute to a project that will have a meaningful impact on Maine families this Thanksgiving.