Tuesday December 5, 2023
Dear Friends and Supporters of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation,
As we approach the end of another incredible year, I find myself filled with gratitude for the remarkable journey we've embarked on together. The past year has been a whirlwind of inspiration, generosity, and community spirit, and I'm thrilled to share our annual newsletter to recap the highlights of 2023.
Reflecting on 2023: A Year of Growth and Achievement
Year after year, our commitment to empowering the young minds of Las Vegas has only grown stronger. At ECF, we understand that our role as mentors is not just about imparting knowledge but also about learning from the remarkable young people we support. They continue to teach us invaluable lessons in resilience, determination, and the boundless potential that lies within each of them.
M.E.N.U.S. 2023: A Night to Remember
Our flagship event, M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring & Educating Nevada's Upcoming Students), reached new heights in 2023. We had the honor of celebrating the exceptional hospitality contribution of Cynthia Kiser Murphey, whose dedication to our cause is truly inspiring. Additionally, we were privileged to recognize the outstanding contributions of the Meruelo Family, a philanthropic powerhouse in our community.
M.E.N.U.S. 2023 was nothing short of spectacular, with over 1,400 attendees indulging in culinary delights from more than 50 of Las Vegas' finest restaurants and bars. The evening came alive with the soulful melodies of The Sully Band, creating an atmosphere of enchantment and celebration. The theme for the night, "Enchanted Forest," was brought to life in breathtaking fashion by the creative talents of MGM Event Production, Champagne Creative, and Buzz.
Investing in the Future: Full-Ride Scholarships
While M.E.N.U.S. may be a glamorous affair, its true purpose remains rooted in our mission: to raise funds for deserving local students. These young individuals inspire us every day, consistently surpassing our highest expectations. We are delighted to announce that full-ride scholarships are now available on the PEF website, opening doors to even more promising futures.
Stay Connected with ECF
As we look ahead to the coming year, we invite you to stay engaged with ECF. You can visit our website at [www.ecflv.org](LINK) or follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest initiatives, events, and success stories. We value your continued support, and together, we can make an even greater impact in the lives of Las Vegas' young talents.
On behalf of the entire board, our dedicated mentors, and the incredible students we serve, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. It is your belief in our mission that fuels our passion to make a difference, year after year.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year filled with hope, unity, and continued success.
Warm regards,
Colleen Birch
Chairwoman of Epicurean Charitable Foundation
COO Fontainebleau Las Vegas
M.E.N.U.S. 2023
M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring & Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students) is ECF’s premier event that raises the bulk of our funds to support our primary charitable endeavor of ensuring full-ride scholarships to deserving local students interested in pursuing careers in hospitality or the culinary arts. Since 2001, ECF has donated more than $2 million to Clark County students.
Click here to view the full gallery of M.E.N.U.S. 2023 photos!
THANKS TO OUR 2023 M.E.N.U.S. SPONSORS
M.E.N.U.S. would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors and partners, including presenting sponsor SAHARA Las Vegas; platinum sponsor Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits & Beer of Nevada; gold sponsors Breakthru Beverage, E&J Gallo Winery, Johnson Brothers of Nevada, and Sysco; and all of our valued silver and bronze sponsors, listed below. A huge thank you to the SAHARA team, Cashman photo, Nikki Neu, MGM Resorts Event Production, Cami Keenan, Sam Currey, Carolyn Welch. Derek Morishita, Champagne Creative, Buzz, the ECF board and staff and to everyone who worked so tirelessly to put the night on. I am very proud of our students for playing an active role in the execution of M.E.N.U.S. 2023. Their responsibilities included overseeing registration, coordinating the silent auction, assisting with the VIP lounge and the set up and break down of the event.
2024 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
SYSCO CARES – THANKSGIVING PACKAGES
Thank you, Sysco, for the incredible Thanksgiving care packages! Your generous donation of turkey, ham, pies, and fixings has brought joy to our students at ECF. Grateful for your support!
ECF ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC
ECF 9th Annual Golf Classic
Save the Date – May 6, 2023
Canyon Gate Country Club
WINE OF THE MONTH
GRADUATE AND STUDENT UPDATES
Ivette Aguirre, ECF/UNLV class of ‘24 has started her dream role as an Event Coordinator at BUZZ. Ivette’s previous Mentor Megan Archambeault initiated the connection that inevitably led to her hiring, just proof that the networking with ECF is unmatched.
Ira De Jesus, ECF/UNLV class of 26’ earned two club officer positions. Social Coordinator for Filipino American Student Union and Brand Marketing Director for Hospitality Entrepreneurship Association Ira has plans to study abroad in Spain of 2024 and currently maintains all A’s.
Tony Rodriguez, ECF/UNLV class of '25, was recently accepted into Kwansei Gakuin University to study abroad in Nishinomiya, Japan, for the upcoming Spring 2025 semester. Tony also completed an internship at The Venetian this summer in the Catering and Conference department. Furthermore, he has thrived academically, earning a spot on the Dean's Honor list every semester thus far!
ECF alumna, Crystal Triguero, ECF/UNLV class of ’23, is Asst. F&B Manager, Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
ECF alumna, Anna Tymoshevska, ECF/UNLV class of ’19, was promoted to Operations Manager at Amazon
ECF alumna, Cami Keenan, ECF/UNLV class of ’21, was promoted to Event Producer for MGM Event Productions. Cami started as an Event Supervisor/ Project manager in September 2022
ECF alumna, Ashley Hassler, ECF/UNLV class of ’21, was promoted to Associate Account Manager to Account Manager at her current job at MC2.
Congratulations ECF alumna, Claudia (Soler) Guerrero, ECF/UNLV class of ’14, on her marriage. The entire ECF board is wishing you both a happily ever after.
For more information, please contact Melissa Arias at 702.932.5098, melissa@ecflv.org or visit the ECF website at www.ecflv.org.
