Lifestyle Eats

Academy of Culinary Arts students arrange a variety of desserts for guests to savor at the 2019 Gala.

A Party With A Purpose

By Molly Golubcow Photos by Donna Connor Photography

Mark your calendars for

an event not to be missed.

ccording to its definition, a gala is a festive occasion with celebration and special entertainment. In other words, it’s a party with a purpose. In April, Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) will host its Annual Restaurant Gala — a culinary extravaganza and one of the most important fundraising efforts supporting students at the Academy of Culinary Arts. Since its inception 37 years ago, the gala has raised over $3.5 million for scholarships through the generosity of community partners and corporate sponsors. This year, as has been the case since 1983, attendees can expect camaraderie, dancing, and fine dining options for every palate. Last year, over 900 guests attended the sold-out event that raised over $230,000 in scholarship funds. Organizers this year hope to not only surpass these numbers, but to “wow” guests and honorees alike with décor, lighting, and entertainment. According to Jean McAlister, Executive Director of Atlantic Cape Foundation, this year’s theme is a secret for now. McAlister explains with an enticing tease, “We will dazzle our attendees with a unique event including tasting spectacular food for every passionate palate prepared by our students and locally-renowned restaurants, amazing desserts, great entertainment, and A

Academy of Culinary Arts students display their Pork Belly Buns, Pickled Vegetables, and Korean Barbeque for guests to sample at the 2019 Gala.

A large array of amazing desserts prepared by students and local restaurants at the 2019 Gala.

Kelsey Jackson, owner of Kelsey's, and members of his staff pose with Dr. Barbara Gaba, Atlantic Cape President.

Students prepared and served mouth-watering grilled cheese sandwiches for guests at the 2019 Gala. always a few, extra, unexpected special touches.” What is not a secret is a social event extraordinaire starting with a Cocktail Hour featuring hors d'oeuvres and a lavish raw bar prepared by students of the Academy of Culinary Arts. Dinner consists of signature dishes from 40 of the area's finest restaurants. To end the night, the gala features a “Dessert Extravaganza” prepared by area pastry chefs as well as students and faculty of the Academy. Throughout the night, live music will be available as you dance and enjoy your food and cocktails from the open bar. In addition, fun activities include a photobooth, tickets for the 50/50 raffle drawing, and sampling beverages from local breweries and distilleries. In addition to food and fun, the gala also recognizes people from the Atlantic and Cape May community who remain connected to the college through individual support of students or through their company’s philanthropic gifts. Past year honorees include an impressive list, including the late James L. Cooper Esq.; former Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian; Mark Giannantonio, President and CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel; Will and Jack Morey, Morey's Piers; Anthony Catanoso and Steel Pier Associates LLC; Gary Hill and John Schultz of Schultz-Hill Foundation; and many more. This year, the gala will add Stephen and Dianne Nehmad to the list of honorees. The Nehmads have supported the College’s mission ever since they met on campus in 1968. The gala also honors alumni who have graduated from the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College including Kevin Scull, VP of Hotel and Food and Beverage Operations at Golden Nugget; Chef Deb Pelligrino, former Executive Pastry Chef at Harrah's and Showboat Atlantic City (now co-owner of MADE in Atlantic City); and Chef Kelsey and Kimberly Jackson (Kelsey and

Kim's Restaurant). The 2020 Gala will recognize the accomplishments of Chef Bill McGinnity (1985) for his continuous support for students attending the Academy of Culinary Arts. Students currently enrolled in the Academy can look to honorees for guidance and direction as they explore careers in the culinary world. McAlister proudly explains, “We love recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of our students who have become successful chefs, cooking competition winners, and entrepreneurs. Many of our students will go on to become restaurateurs. Our honorees recognize the talents of our graduates and have employed our students. Many times, our honorees give back and can be found helping students prep for the gala.” This year, about 20 scholarships will be awarded to new and returning culinary arts students at Atlantic Cape Community College. Although the scholarships are financially based, a student's academic achievement is also considered when awarding funds. A typical semester at the Academy of Culinary Arts, without books and supplies, runs about $8,000 per semester totaling over $31,000 for a complete degree — an amount for which many students may need to request aid. Although the tuition is much higher than a typical community college student taking general studies or liberal arts classes, the Academy costs much less in comparison to other culinary academies nationwide. This year’s gala, held April 16, 2020 at Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, promises an enjoyable and delicious evening that will support deserving students looking to enter the culinary world. To reserve an individual seat or a corporate table for the event, contact Kristin Jackson at kjackson@atlantic.edu or 609-463-3621. For more information about the event go to www.atlantic.edu/ gala. n

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