March 22, Wendy Newman, Miss Florida 1978, and Jason’s Deli partnered to bring etiquette training to girls served by the PACE Center for Girls of Lee County. To offer a formal atmosphere for the special occasion, the PACE Center transformed its cafeteria into a spring themed afternoon tea with a plated meal. Jason’s Deli donated mini croissant sandwiches, pasta salad, desserts and tea for 50 PACE girls. Newman, who offers this training annually for PACE Lee, guided the girls in practicing table manners, conversational charm, redirecting from uncomfortable subjects and how to be a good hostess.
“Jason’s Deli is honored to partner with PACE in such a fun and meaningful way. Sharing conversation over good food, both personally and professionally, should be an enjoyable and dignified experience,” said Diana Willis, owner of five Jason’s Deli restaurants in Southwest Florida, “Without PACE, many of these girls would never learn these important lessons.”
“I learned not to lean forward when eating,” recounts Alexis,PACE girl, age 18, “You always sit up straight and bring the fork up to you.”
“Adopting these valuable skills will help the girls throughout their entire life. They’ll be able to enjoy a formal affair with a sense of belonging and conduct professional meetings over a meal with confidence and poise,” said Newman.
“Ms. Wendy awarded me the ‘attitude pin’ for being helpful, asking questions and demonstrating what she taught us…like always putting your napkin in your lap as soon as you sit down,” said Courtney, PACE girl, age 16.
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