TPF Ambassador: Ashley Brooks

The Patachou Foundation Ambassadors are dedicated leaders in Indianapolis who are making a direct impact Indianapolis children suffering from hunger and food insecurity by raising money to support one of the schools we serve.Ashley Brooks loves to feed and foster community by nurturing the budding food industry around Indy. After co-founding the restaurant Milktooth, she's laser-focused her efforts on private dining events (under the hospitality design company A.Rose), a brunch festival called Baby Got Brunch, co-founding the Garfield Park Farmers Market, "and most importantly," she says, "being a good mama to my six-year-old son, Roman." Baby Got Brunch, which just announced its second date, raised enough last year to feed more than 3,000 scratch-made meals to food-insecure kids in Indianapolis.Why did you decide to become a TPF Ambassador?I wanted to make a big impact with a brunch festival that I co-founded because I love all things food & philanthropy. So in August 2017, 1,200 brunchers came together over mimosas and we raised thousands of dollars for The Patachou Foundation.How did you first hear about The Patachou Foundation?I heard about The Patachou Foundation when I joined the board of Slow Food Indy and started really getting invested in issues surrounding food security and social justice.What speaks to you about The Patachou Foundation's mission?I share The Patachou Foundation's passion for nurturing those who are vulnerable, facing adversity and food insecurity. I care deeply about working to ensure that no child faces hunger.Do you have any stories to share about your time as an Ambassador so far?This ambassadorship has given me much validation and confidence to keep pursuing a path in my career that always weaves a thread of philanthropy in every project I am involved in!What is your favorite family tradition involving food?Growing my own food and experiencing the life cycle from seed to palate. The intrinsic value was given to me by my grandparents & I take pride in passing it along to my son.What was your favorite snack as a child?One of my fondest food memories as a child is making rice crispy treats with my grandmother! She always let me cook alongside her, even when I could barely reach the stove. To this day I LOVE the smell of melted butter and marshmallow.Anything else you'd like to share?Just that I love being a part of the Patachou family! I hope to discover more ways to get involved and make an impact on the community I love so dearly.