A local nonprofit is hoping the combination of a fundraising event next month a chance to match donated dollars will finally result in a permanent home for their specialized training.

Torch 180, a subsidiary of The Torch mobile food truck, provides employment opportunities through food-industry training for people with disabilities. For the past several years they have operated out of a variety of temporary facilities, managing along the way to train and graduate 14 individuals through a ServSafe program that allows them to be hired in the food service industry. But with a new class of 14 students gearing up for training, the group is holding a fundraising dinner October 26th at the Howell Opera House with the help of local chef, Renee Chodkowski, aka The Great Foodini. But Torch co-founder Rhonda Callanan says that they also have an exciting opportunity thanks to a generous benefactor who wants to be anonymous and has agreed to match up to $150,000.

The matching grant will last through the end of the year. Tickets for the October 26th dinner are $100 a plate and will include dessert and adult beverages. There will also be a demonstration between Chodkowski and one of the Torch 180 graduates. Details are available through the link. (JM)