WellSpan Health makes 'substantial' donation to culinary school in Franklin County

A culinary school in Franklin County will gain an additional instructor thanks to a "substantial" donation from WellSpan Health, according to a news release.

Leaders from WellSpan, Costa Academy and the community gathered at The Orchards Friday for the official announcement of the $75,000 donation.

The donation is part of WellSpan's mission to promote lifelong wellness and healthy communities across Franklin County, according to a news release from the regional healthcare system.

“It’s exciting to offer our support to an organization empowering students who develop leadership skills that aid in their growth,” said Roxanna Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., president and CEO, WellSpan Health. “We serve about 2.4 million meals across our health system every year, so we understand the importance of a strong pipeline of food service team members and what that ultimately does to strengthen our communities.”

Costa Academy was established at The Orchards restaurant in Chambersburg in 2016 to fill a need for culinary education opportunities in Franklin County, the Public Opinion reported at the time. Students get hands-on experience preparing food and in other aspects of running a food service establishment.

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With the donation, Costa Academy will add a chef to its staff.

“WellSpan is showing our community that they are invested in Chambersburg and the future and health of Franklin County,” said Mike Kalathas, head chef and proprietor of The Orchards and Costa Academy. “These very students that we have trained help grow the economy of Franklin County as chefs in restaurants all across the region.”

To provide additional support, Gapstur will join Costa's board of directors.