Humanitarian
From planning his first charitable event, the Nantucket Chefs Food Festival. A fundraiser for the Nantucket Food Pantry, which raised $12,000 in one evening back in October 1991, and effectively doubling the pantry’s annual operating budget. Chef Otto has been using his gift to alleviate the pain of hunger in America, and the world. He was the impetus of Childhood Hunger Day. A three day hunger symposium in Washington DC in October 1996. Comprised of chefs from all over America. These chefs engaged with federal lawmakers to discuss hunger and poverty legislation and also rolled up their sleeves to assist in feeding those in need, and teaching working poverty level mothers how to shop more effectively for groceries.
Onto the Bahamas, where in partnership with the Red Cross and his employer the Atlantis, he created a food rescue program. Quality food that was over produced was donated to the churches to feed disadvantaged parishioners.
In 2003 he was one of 160 chefs from thirty two countries to participate in the Cooks World Tour For Hunger in South Africa. That was a life altering experience for him. The abject poverty, the disparity between the first world and third world strengthened his resolve to continue utilizing his gift to help the poorest of the poor. He has feed children in the rain forest of Guatemala and dumpster kids in the Philippines. Named so because that is where the children exist.
An adventurer at heart, Chef Otto’s passion is traveling to far- far locations and feeding the neediest of the needy. To experience cuisines and cultures, honoring our uniqueness while celebrating our oneness with food. Utilizing his gift to spread the gospel of cuisine. Not only feeding people, but educating them, elevating spirits, nourishing minds, and captivating hearts.