It was an evening to celebrate a Springtime in Paris as more than 840 guests attended the 41st Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala. Guests helped raise a record $306,210 towards student scholarships while also honoring three deserving members of the community on Thursday, March 21 at the Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City.
This year’s Gala recognized Travis Lunn, president and chief operating officer, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, as its Community Honoree and Chef Demetrios Haronis, 1990 Academy of Culinary Arts (ACA) alumnus and current executive chef at Tropicana Atlantic City, as its ACA Honoree.
Students from the ACA created hors d’oeuvres for the lavish cocktail reception held in the lobby. Guests were then treated to a deliciously-eclectic mix of some of the region’s most delectable fine foods, signature dishes, desserts and some of the tastiest libations during a formal dinner in the Wildwood Ballroom. More than 50 South Jersey establishments, including long-standing participants Dock’s Oyster House, Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar, Knife & Fork Inn, Renault Winery & Resort and Smithville Inn were on hand. Sample beverages from popular local wineries, breweries and distilleries were a hit with craft IPA beers, red and white wines, champagne and more.
Live musical entertainment from the GrooveHeart Band kept the jovial spirit of the evening moving as guests took to the dance floor.
Since its inception in 1984, the Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala has raised more than $4.3 million for scholarships for students attending the Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management program, an emergency fund, special projects and the Atlantic Cape Foundation operations.
Photo credit: Atlantic Cape Community College
