Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. Expands Access to STEM Education with Launch of Chef Koochooloo for Underserved K–5 Students

Ormond Beach, FL — March 20, 2026 — Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering connection through culture and education, is proud to announce the launch of Chef Koochooloo, a mission-driven STEM learning program designed to bring engaging, hands-on education to K–5 students, particularly in low-income and underserved communities.

Chef Koochooloo was created with a simple belief: every child deserves access to meaningful, inspiring education—regardless of their background or resources.

Through a unique blend of cooking, cultural exploration, and STEM concepts, the program transforms everyday learning into an immersive experience where students discover science, math, and global awareness in a way that is both accessible and exciting. By connecting lessons to real-world activities like preparing food and exploring cultures from around the globe, students build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

“Chef Koochooloo is about opportunity,” said William J. Sanchez, Executive Director of Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. “We are focused on reaching students who may not otherwise have access to innovative STEM programs and giving them an experience that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and opens doors.”

As part of its nonprofit mission, Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. is offering scholarships and fully or partially sponsored access to qualifying:

• Elementary schools (K–5)

• After-school programs

• Community-based organizations

• Nonprofit educational initiatives

Priority is given to institutions serving economically disadvantaged populations and those committed to expanding cultural awareness and inclusive learning environments.

More than a curriculum, Chef Koochooloo is designed to create moments of joy and discovery in the classroom—where students can see themselves as scientists, creators, and global citizens.

“We believe that when children are engaged, they learn better. And when they see themselves reflected in what they learn—through culture, food, and shared experiences—it creates a lasting impact,” Sanchez added.

The program also supports educators by providing structured, easy-to-implement materials that enhance classroom learning while reducing the burden on teachers in resource-constrained environments.

Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. invites schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to apply for participation in this initiative and help bring enriching educational experiences to students who need them most.

For more information or to apply for a sponsored program, please contact:

William J. Sanchez
Executive Director
Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc.
📧 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
🌐 www.chefkoochooloo.com

🌐 www.culturalawarenessfund.com

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About Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc.

Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering understanding, inclusion, and connection through education and cultural exchange. The organization develops and supports programs that bring communities together while creating meaningful learning opportunities for students, particularly those in underserved and economically disadvantaged environments.

Through initiatives that integrate cultural exploration with hands-on education, Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. works to ensure that every child—regardless of background—has access to experiences that broaden perspectives, inspire curiosity, and promote respect for diverse traditions. By partnering with schools, educators, and community organizations, the Fund is committed to building a more connected and culturally aware future for the next generation.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. Appoints Lancelot S. Lenard to Its Board of Directors

Ormond Beach, FL — March 20^th 2026 — Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. announced today the appointment of Lancelot S. Lenard to its Board of Directors, adding a community-focused leader whose work is defined by service, cultural education, and a lifelong commitment to strengthening communities.

Mr. Lenard is the founder of Sir Lancelot’s Table, his primary philanthropic initiative dedicated to uplifting youth, strengthening families, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Through Sir Lancelot’s Table, he supports youth scholarships, leads fundraising initiatives for scouting organizations, and advances international humanitarian outreach, including programs benefiting orphans in Uganda. His work reflects a belief that education, service, and shared cultural experiences are essential to building resilient and compassionate communities.

Born in Sweden and raised in Hungary, Mr. Lenard is a first-generation American who speaks English, Hungarian, and Swedish. His personal history informs his deep commitment to cultural awareness and inclusion. He is a member of the Hungarian Club of Daytona Beach, where he actively supports cultural programming and the preservation of heritage within the local community.

“Lancelot brings a lived understanding of culture, service, and responsibility,” said William J. Sanchez, Founder and Executive Director of Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. “His philanthropic leadership, particularly through Sir Lancelot’s Table, aligns directly with our mission to educate and unite communities through shared roots and cultural understanding.”

An Eagle Scout with the Transatlantic Council, Mr. Lenard continues his commitment to youth development as a committee member for Pack 436, Scouting America, where he mentors young people and supports fundraising and leadership initiatives focused on character, service, and civic responsibility.

Professionally, Mr. Lenard leads a family-run real estate, construction, and consulting office serving Central Florida, where his work focuses on collaboration, integrity, and hands-on service. While distinct from his philanthropic efforts, this professional experience reinforces his practical understanding of community development and stewardship—values that complement his work in the nonprofit and cultural education space.

Mr. Lenard expressed his appreciation for the appointment and the organization’s mission.

“The mission of Cultural Awareness Fund resonates deeply with me,” said Lenard. “Its commitment to cultural education and experiential learning reflects the belief that understanding our shared roots strengthens civic pride and unity. I am honored to support work that brings people together across cultures and generations.”

Mr. Lenard’s appointment comes as Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. continues to expand its educational curricula and international cultural festivals—initiatives designed to demonstrate how diverse cultural traditions collectively shape the American experience.

About Sir Lancelot’s Table

Sir Lancelot’s Table is a nonprofit philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting youth, strengthening families, and fostering cultural understanding through education, service, and humanitarian outreach. Its work includes youth scholarships, support for scouting organizations, and international programs benefiting under served communities, reflecting a belief that service is foundational to strong and compassionate societies.

About Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc.

Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering understanding, respect, and unity through cultural education and immersive public experiences. Through original curricula, STEM-based learning initiatives, and international cultural festivals, the organization affirms that American Exceptionalism is the product of shared roots, cooperation, and common civic values.

For more information, visit https://www.culturalawarenessfund.com.

Media Contact:
William J Sanchez
Executive Director, President
Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc.
786/942-4449
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. Appoints Denise Davalloo to its Board of Directors

Ormond Beach, FL — February 9^th 2026 — Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. announced today the appointment of Ormond Beach resident, Mrs. Denise Davalloo to its Board of Directors, adding to its leadership a seasoned professional whose career reflects a deep commitment to communication, organizational stewardship, and cultural education.

Mrs. Davalloo currently serves as a board member of the Iranian American Society of Daytona Beach, an organization dedicated to promoting cultural awareness, education, and cross-cultural understanding. The alignment between the missions of the Iranian American Society of Daytona Beach and Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. reflects a shared commitment to education, dialogue, and respect across cultures.

Mrs. Davalloo brings extensive experience in business administration, public relations, and corporate communications. She currently serves as Executive Assistant to the CEO at SMA Healthcare, Inc., where she provides strategic and operational support to executive leadership and boards of directors, oversees organizational coordination, develops executive communications, and represents the organization at civic, community, and legislative engagements. Her professional background spans healthcare, education, legal services, and international business environments, with a focus on governance, development, and stakeholder relations.

Mrs. Davalloo’ s international background and multilingual fluency further strengthen her contribution to the organization. She speaks English, German, Persian, Spanish, French, and Turkish, bringing cultural sensitivity and clarity of communication to the Fund’s work with diverse communities and partners.

“Denise brings a thoughtful balance of professional rigor and cultural perspective,” said William J. Sanchez, Founder and Executive Director of Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. “Her experience in communications and governance, combined with her cross-cultural insight, will be valuable as we continue to grow our educational programs and public initiatives.”

Mrs. Davalloo will serve as a supportive resource to the organization’s educational efforts, contributing insight, perspective, and guidance as Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. expands its K–5 curriculum, STEM-based learning initiatives such as Chef Koochooloo, and international cultural programming. Her role will complement the work of the organization by helping strengthen communication, outreach, and alignment across programs.

“Cultural awareness plays a vital role in fostering a healthy and cohesive society. As Americans, we uphold our national motto, E Pluribus Unum – out of many, one – because we are united by shared values and a common purpose. Our culture mosaic resembles a Persian carpet, woven from countless distinct threads that together create something beautiful and enduring. Honoring and celebrating the diverse cultures that shape the United States is essential to strengthening our communities and deepening our understanding of one another. I am honored to join Cultural Awareness Fund, inc. and to support its mission of educating communities about our shared roots, mutual respect, and the power of cultural understanding.”

Her appointment comes as Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. continues to expand its educational reach through original curricula, STEM-based learning platforms, and international cultural festivals that emphasize cultural roots as a source of civic strength and shared identity.

About the Iranian American Society of Daytona Beach

The Iranian American Society of Daytona Beach is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cultural awareness, education, and community engagement through the celebration of Iranian heritage and the encouragement of cross-cultural dialogue. Through cultural programming and educational initiatives, the organization works to foster understanding and respect while strengthening connections within the broader community.

For more information, visit https://www.iasdb.org

About Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc.

Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering understanding, respect, and unity through cultural education and immersive public experiences. Through original curricula, STEM-based learning initiatives, and international cultural festivals, the organization affirms that American Exceptionalism is the product of shared roots, cooperation, and common civic values.

For more information, visit https://www.culturalawarenessfund.com.

Media Contact:
William J Sanchez
Executive Director, President
Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc.
786/942-4449
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community Toy Drive “Give a Smile,” an Initiative of Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc., Collects Gifts for Local Children

Ormond Beach, FL — Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. announced the successful launch of Give a Smile, a holiday giving initiative created to support children and families in need throughout the region during the holiday season.

The initiative began at an annual holiday gathering, where guests were asked to bring an unwrapped gift for a boy or a girl. The response exceeded expectations, resulting in a significant collection of toys in a single evening.

Encouraged by the strong community response, Sanchez expanded the effort by partnering with local media to increase awareness and participation. With the support of WROD and radio host Frank Scott, public service announcements were produced and aired throughout the Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, and Port Orange area in support of the initiative.

All donated toys were distributed to two organizations serving children and families in need: St. Paul’s Basilica in Daytona Beach and the Volusia Sheriff’s Youth Foundation.

St. Paul’s Basilica has a longstanding tradition of community outreach and charitable service, providing direct support to families through faith-based programs and seasonal initiatives that serve some of the area’s most vulnerable populations.

The donation to the Volusia Sheriff’s Youth Foundation was coordinated through liaison efforts with Carla Quann from the office of Michael Chitwood. The Foundation supports youth-focused programs that promote safety, mentorship, and positive development for at-risk children throughout the region.

At St. Paul’s Basilica, toys were distributed on the final day of the Christmas Novena, with remaining gifts given during the January 6 Three Kings Day celebration.

“These gifts represent more than toys,” Sanchez said. “They reflect generosity, kindness, and what can be accomplished when people come together with purpose. I’m grateful to everyone who participated and helped make this initiative possible.”

The Give a Smile initiative was conducted as a regional effort, supported by community members, local businesses, and media partners who helped extend its reach and impact.

Looking ahead, Sanchez announced that Give a Smile will return for Easter, when Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. will once again mobilize the community—this time to distribute Easter baskets to disadvantaged children across the region.

Sanchez expressed sincere appreciation to all donors, volunteers, partners, and supporters who contributed to the success of the program.

For more information about Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. and its initiatives, please visit www.culturalawarenessfund.com.

Media Contact:
William J Sanchez
Executive Director, President
Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc.
786/942-4449
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.