A Fort Worth chef is using his own experience with dyslexia to do something good for kids with learning differences. “By the time I was in the 4th grade, I was pretty well done with school. I’d stacked up enough failures to get put in the resource program,” Marcus Paslay said as he talked a bout the learning differences that made school a challenge. He was tested and diagnosed with dyslexia. “Fortunately for me, I have great parents who are not only able but willing to provide the private education needed to overcome some of those hurdles,” he said. Paslay had parents, teachers, and resources to find strategies that helped him get through school, taught him techniques, and restored his confidence. College was more difficult, but culinary school opened a path to the restaurant industry. He opened his first restaurant in 2013 and now has six under his From Scratch Hospitality brand. With their success, Paslay and his wife Emily founded The Paslay Foundation. The nonprofit hosts spirited celebrations of community and cuisine to raise funds in support of organizations changing the conversation about kids with learning differences. “We felt a real natural connection to do some sort of fundraising for organizations and for work that help kids with learning differences because we think there’s a lot of potential in those kids,” Paslay said. “They just need the proper testing and tutoring and specialized education to achieve their potential. It’s certainly good for me, so it’s been great to give back.” On Sunday, October 11th, Paslay hosted the 5th annual Indulge and Inspire event and transformed his Clay Pigeon Restaurant into a Casino Tropicana. Paslay believes through food, drink, and a revelatory spirit of giving, one night out can make a generational difference. In five years, his nonprofit has donated a million dollars to organizations such as Hill School, Key School and Literacy United. “I think a lot of people either have personal experience with some sort of learning difference or know someone that does,” he said. “You know, it’s tough when you’re struggling through school. And, you know, the first 13 years of your life, you’re kind of stacking up a lot failure. You know, that can really damage a kid’s confidence. And if we can step in early enough and give them the skills they need. To be successful in school and out of school, that confidence stays high, and it allows them to realize their potential.” Paslay says he’s not a great reader or speller, but he’s learned techniques that help. He encourages kids with learning differences to see past any failures to a future where they can be successful. “Those struggles are making you stronger in other ways, and they’re honing skills that you’ll use one day, and they are gonna be very, very valuable to you,” he advised. “That toughness, that grit, that resilience is gonna pay off one day, you know, maybe later, but it will pay off.” Paslay is also the parent of a child with a learning difference, and he offers encouragement to moms and dads, too. “I would tell a parent, you know, be involved. Be an advocate for your kid, don’t be discouraged,” he said. “There is not one path to success. It can go a million different directions, and your kid will find its way.” ...read more read less