| |
Fundraiser to be held at Mandalay Bay Beach on Friday, Oct. 3.
The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas will host its 7th annual scholarship fundraiser gala at Mandalay Bay Beach on Friday, Oct. 3, featuring world-class cuisine, fine wines and spectacular entertainment, announced Foundation officials. UNLV Men's Basketball Head Coach Lon Kruger will be honored by the Foundation at the fundraiser gala event that will also include a special performance by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles.
The casual beachside setting will feature food prepared by the finest chefs and restaurants in Las Vegas along with a fantastic collection of wines and spirits. Some of the participating restaurants include BOA Steakhouse, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, BLT Burger, SEABLUE and more. Doors to the event will open at 7:30 p.m. For information on purchasing tickets, guests can contact the Foundation at (702) 932-5098 or via email at info@ecflv.org.
Proceeds from the event will go toward the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas' scholarship program that supports Las Vegas area students in their pursuit of a career in the hospitality field. Each year, the Foundation awards a limited number of scholarships to students who exhibit great academic ability and personal dedication, but lack the financial means to achieve their goal. The scholarship includes coverage of all their academic expenses as well as mentorship and guidance from members of the Foundation. The primary sponsors of the scholarship program are the Harrah's Foundation, MGM Mirage Corporation, Station Casinos, Southern Highlands Golf Club, Future Brands, American Airlines, Cartier, Salvatore Ferragamo, Red Bull, Brioni and Ermenegildo Zegna.
"We are proud to be hosting this event with highly respected industry leaders who are donating their time and effort for this admirable program," said Shawn Ritchie, president of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation. "Through their efforts, along with the generous support of the contributors, the Foundation's scholarship program will continue to aid worthy students in their aspiration to someday serve as the next generation of hospitality executives in Las Vegas."
Tickets prices start at $500 with tables of 10 starting at $5,000. Guests will be able to enjoy a grand selection of delicacies from the numerous dining stations set up throughout the venue offering cuisine from the top restaurants and chefs in Las Vegas. For donations in excess of $15,000, groups can be treated to a meal prepared by their own dedicated chef and receive private bar and wait service.
The event will also serve to honor UNLV's Basketball Head Coach Lon Kruger for his outstanding commitment to education and the Las Vegas community. "For an evening dedicated to raising funds for education, it is our privilege to honor a man of integrity and great leadership such as Lon Kruger" said Rino Armeni, founder of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation. "In addition, we are very proud of supporting a winning program such as UNLV's mens' basketball, not only for its athletic achievements, but also for its dedication to the education of student-athletes."
The evening's entertainment will be a special guest performance by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. With hit single "Love Song," Bareilles has reached the number one spot on Billboard's Pop 100 charts. She has enjoyed mainstream success performing on major morning and late night talk shows including The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The David Letterman Show. Guests will enjoy her pop sensation songs in the open-air setting of Mandalay Bay Beach.
The evening will also include an auction with a variety of high-end gifts. The items to be auctioned off include travel to locations including Italy, New York and Sonoma, Calif. In addition to gifts and travel, special auctions will include private cooking lessons with some of Las Vegas' finest chefs. "Some of these auction items, particularly the private cooking lessons, are truly about the experience, which is priceless in many aspects," said Ritchie. "Our Foundation is incredibly grateful for these chefs and other professionals who are donating their time to support the Las Vegas's hospitality industry."
About the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas - Founded in May 2001, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas is comprised of more than 40 top food and beverage executives who are dedicated to making a difference in the hospitality industry and the community through support of the local education system and hospitality and culinary related organizations, charities and associations. The Foundation's primary charitable endeavor is the establishment of annual scholarship awards for local students seeking careers in the hospitality industry. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached 702-932-5098 or by visiting www.ECFLV.org.
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
|
