Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas Founder Rino Armeni will be honored at the fifth annual Saks Fifth Avenue Vegas Dozen 2008: The Men We Love and Why We Love Them. Scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, Saks will honor 12 men from various backgrounds and professions who exemplify great personal and professional commitment to the community with the Vegas Dozen Award. The event will benefit the Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI). 


Armeni founded the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas in May of 2001 and served as its first president. He created the Foundation as a forum for Las Vegas food and beverage executives to share ideas and knowledge as well as build camaraderie; ultimately, fostering a stronger and more unified hospitality industry in Las Vegas. Armeni continues to be instrumental in the Foundation's activities, which include supporting numerous local charities such as Keep Memory Alive, Opportunity Village, Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow (FIT) and the Nevada Cancer Institute.


Under the leadership of Armeni, the Foundation helped fund the construction of the Nevada Cancer Institute's Sunflower Café, which serves approximately 200 patients, researchers, doctors and staff. Each month, a member of the Foundation and their staff work with NVCI through guest chef events, creating healthy recipes and preparing a special lunch for all patients to enjoy.


In addition to Armeni, the year's honorees are: Andre Agassi; Tim Cashman, Las Vegas Harley-Davidson; Bruce Deifik, President & CEO, American Nevada Co.; Michael Mecca, President & CEO, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino; Michael E. Minden, President Michael E. Minden Diamond Jewelers; Richard Plaster, President, Signature Homes; Perry Rogers, President PRISM, Premier Integrated Sports Management; John Schadler, Managing Partner, SK+G Advertising; Kendall Tenney, Evening Anchor, KVBC-TV; Richard A. Wright, Wright Stanish & Winckler; and Bernie Yuman, Bernie Yuman Management.


About the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas


Founded in May 2001, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas was created as a forum for Las Vegas food and beverage executives to share ideas and knowledge to foster a stronger and more unified hospitality industry in Las Vegas. Comprised of more than 40 of Las Vegas' top food & beverage executives, the Foundation's members have dedicated their time and resources to the goal of aligning the hospitality industry with the community through support of the local education system, related organizations, charities and associations. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached at 702-932-5098 or via their website at www.ECFLV.org.