Noel C. J. Cunningham

Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1949, Noel Cunningham followed his family into the culinary world at age fourteen. Noel was born to Sadie & Desmond Cunningham, brother to Gaye and Desmond Cunningham and the late David Cunningham.

He proved a quick study, hired as an apprentice at London's famous Savoy Hotel after just three years and attained the rank of sous chef by age 23 - an especially notable accomplishment for a non-Frenchman.

Noel and his family relocated to Los Angeles, California in the 1970s and Noel took a job as sous chef at Harry's Bar & American Grill in Century City. He advanced rapidly over the next few years, rising to executive chef in charge of Spectrum Foods, the corporation that owned Harry's Bar and several other notable California-based restaurants.

In 1980 Noel was tapped to be chef at Touch, an exclusive Beverly Hills private supper club that was the top choice for celebrities. He held the post until 1986, when Touch was sold. A former colleague soon convinced Noel to come to Denver to open a new restaurant on 17th Avenue - and Strings was born.

In 1989, Noel started a second restaurant in Lakewood, Colorado, named 240 Union, and two years later opened the contemporary Italian Trattoria Ciao Baby in Southwest Denver. Noel subsequently sold his majority share in Ciao Baby and still maintains Strings and 240 Union.

Noel was most notably known for his incredible giving - both locally and internationally.

He and Pat "Gabby Gourmet" Miller worked together to start Taste of the Nation which has raised almost $80 million dollars to fight hunger.

Noel hosted countless fundraisers at his restaurant and constantly donated to those in need.

Noel married the love of his life, Tammy, on August 30, 1990 on Catalina Island, California.

Noel and his wife Tammy were very active in the global community with their Cunningham Foundation. They created programs like 4Quarters for Kids and the HOPE Bracelet Project which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Project Mercy in Ethiopia.

Noel is survived by two daughters, Avril and Lisa Cunningham.