The holidays are right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than to have an early Thanksgiving dinner while showing up for the community’s local students? Next week, there’s a delicious opportunity to do just that! The A.K. Smith Culinary Arts Students are inviting the Michigan City community to their Third Annual Friendsgiving fundraiser on Friday, November 13th. Get ready for a festive evening centered around food, fun, friendship, and giving back.
At JOYRide, we believe in highlighting the people, places, and organizations that make Michigan City special. Here’s why you should add this event to your calendar this month!
What Is The A.K. Smith Career Center?
The A.K. Smith Career Center provides La Porte County High School students with opportunities to explore career paths and develop practical skills through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Students participate in specialized programs in fields such as ike culinary arts, cosmetology, healthcare, automotive technology, construction trades, fire science, and energy. These programs give students hands-on learning experiences, industry-specific training, and opportunities to earn certifications and college credits while preparing for life after high school.
Programs like these are so important because they help students turn their interests into real-world skills. They’re getting experience, building confidence, and discovering what their future careers could look like. Plus, here’s a fun local connection you may not know: Ryan Kellogg, head chef at Michigan City’s The Heron Bistro, is an A.K. Smith alumnus! It’s where he first developed and nurtured his culinary skills, showing just how impactful these programs can be in helping students turn their passion for food into a career.
Why We Believe Supporting A.K. Smith Matters
A strong community invests in its future, and that includes investing in students! Career and technical education allows young students to explore different industries, learn skills, and gain experience before entering the workforce. Programs like those offered at A.K. Smith help connect classroom learning with real opportunities, giving students a foundation they can carry into their next chapter. That’s one of the reasons we love highlighting and sharing local events like Friendsgiving. They give everyone an opportunity to get involved in a meaningful way.
What Is The Third Annual Friendsgiving Event?
The Third Annual Friendsgiving is hosted by the A.K. Smith Culinary Arts students and is a chance for the community to come together over a delicious meal while helping support their education and hands-on learning experiences. It’s an evening of good food, friendly faces, and community support, with plenty of opportunities to have fun along the way.
Guests can look forward to a delicious meal prepared and served as part of the culinary arts students’ learning experience, gift basket raffles with opportunities to win some fun prizes, a 50/50 drawing for a chance to take home a cash prize, and an evening of food, fun, and community connection!
Event Details
Mark your calendar and make plans to join the A.K. Smith Culinary Arts Students for their Third Annual Friendsgiving!
Where: Career Café at A.K. Smith │ 317 Detroit Street, Michigan City, IN 46360
When: Friday, November 13th, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $22.00 │ Children ages 6-12 $11.00
Let’s Show Up for Our Michigan City Community!
The heart of community is found in the people who make it special and the organizations working to create opportunities for the next generation. A.K. Smith is helping local students discover their interests, develop valuable skills, and take steps toward meaningful careers. That being said, consider making Friendsgiving part of your plans for next Friday! Bring your family, invite a friend, enjoy a delicious meal, and support the students who are working hard to build their futures.
