Two weeks before José Andrés is set to take the stage on the National Mall as the George Washington University’s 2014 Commencement speaker, the world-renowned chef and humanitarian gave a passionate speech at the Refugees International’s 35th Anniversary Dinner last Wednesday.
At the dinner, Mr. Andrés and Academy Award-winning actor Forrest Whitaker accepted the McCall-Pierpaoli Humanitarian Award, which recognizes those who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and commitment to humanitarian action. It is Refugees International’s highest honor.
Founder of restaurants such as Jaleo, Zaytinya and Minibar, Mr. Andrés’ philanthropic work is as impressive as his cooking. In 2010, he started the World Central Kitchen, which is now focusing its efforts on Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and will soon expand to Central America and Africa. He was also named by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to be the culinary ambassador of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves.
Mr. Andrés’ 10-minute acceptance speech was called “impassioned” and “fiery” in the Washington Post’s Reliable Source.
“What happens in Haiti, let me be honest, is what happens sometimes five minutes away from Congress and the White House,” said Mr. Andrés in his speech to more than 470 guests. He emphasized that people his organization helps “don’t want our pity, they want our respect,” according to the Washington Post. His words were met with a standing ovation.
Mr. Andrés—who teaches the popular “World on a Plate” class at GW—will receive an honorary doctorate of public service and deliver remarks to an estimated 25,000 graduates and guests at a Commencement ceremony like no other in the world on May 18.