Monday January 13, 2025
Dear Board Members, Students, Alumni, and Donors,
As we welcome the New Year, we reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared and the many achievements that have brought us closer to our mission. We are excited to step into 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment, as we continue to empower the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Our mission has always been to provide scholarships and mentorship to students, supported by hospitality industry leaders. This dynamic partnership results in lifelong relationships and meaningful opportunities, opening doors to success in a thriving industry. We are proud of the strides we have made and are eager to build upon them in the year ahead. Proud to say in 2024 we gave out 24 full-ride scholarships due to the support of our donors. In 2025, we have the funds to give out 30 full-ride scholarships. Together, we have made a profound impact on the lives of hospitality students, and we look forward to the future with renewed enthusiasm and dedication. I have always said HCF is more than a scholarship organization; we are a community that nurtures talent and provides a platform for growth, and this is something we are incredibly proud of.
On a personal note, it is an honor to have served on this board for the past 13 years, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of President. It is a privilege to work alongside such a distinguished group of individuals that make up our Executive Committee: Tom Gorball, Director of F&B at Sunset Station, our Chairman; Anthony Olheiser, Senior VP of F&B at Fontainebleau, and Megan Archambault, VP of Sales at MGM Resorts, both serving as Vice Presidents; Alyssa Mendes, GM at Nobu Hotel, our Secretary; and Kevin Ball, VP of Procurement at Fontainebleau, our Treasurer. Together, alongside our dedicated Board of Directors, we are poised to continue advancing our mission, and to achieve our vision of transforming the trajectory of our students' lives.
As we begin this new chapter, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to two exceptional leaders. Outgoing President Kevin Ball and Chairwoman Colleen Birch have provided unwavering leadership, support, and vision over the last several years. Their dedication to our organization and the students we serve has been immeasurable, and we are incredibly fortunate to have had them at the helm.
To our board, alumni, and donors – thank you for your continued support. Together, we are making a lasting impact, shaping the future of hospitality one student at a time. We look forward to another year of growth, collaboration, and new opportunities.
Wishing you all a prosperous and fulfilling New Year. We look forward to another year of progress, partnership, and impact!
Warm regards,
Michael Kennedy
President
P.S. A special congratulations to Melissa Arias, Executive Director of HCF, on completing her Master's in Public Administration! Melissa, you are an inspiration to both our students and board alike. We wish you continued success as you pursue your PhD – the best is yet to come!
HCF INAGURAL POKER TOURNAMENT
Betting on Bright Futures
Join us for the HCF’s Inaugural Betting on Bright Futures Poker Tournament on January 24, 2025, at Southern Glazer’s Wine, Spirits & Beer, Las Vegas, NV!
Date:
January 24, 2025
Location:
Southern Glazer's Wine, Spirits & Beer | Las Vegas, NV
For poker rules, sponsorships, volunteering opportunities, or questions, contact Bruce Belcher at bruce.belcher@sgws.com.
Reserve your spot and be part of shaping the future of hospitality!
2025 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Scholarship applications are due by January 31, 2025. Please click here to complete the application.
2025 10th ANNUAL HCF GOLF CLASSIC
Save the Date
May 12, 2025
Canyon Gate Country Club
JANUARY/FEBRUARY WINE OF THE MONTH
How you can get involved? Contact Melissa@HCFLV.org on how you can create this amazing program with no effort.
BOARD MEMBER UPDATES
Congratulations Board of Director, Bruce Belcher is now Regional Vice President Human Resources - West at Southern Glazer's Wine, Spirits & Beer.
HCF Welcomes our newest Board Member, Kaitlin Molina. Kaitlin is Regional VP Talent Acquisition and HR Initiatives at Caesars Entertainment.
STUDENTS AND GRADUATE UPDATES
Congratulations HCF’s newest graduate, Randy Sanchez, HCF Class of ’24 on graduating from UNLV.
Melanie Caro, HCF/ UNLV Class of 2026 is extending her internship at Allegiant Stadium for the 3rd time!
Kyle Peng, HCF/UNLV Class of 24 is now Line Cook at the Stubborn Seed in the Resorts World Las Vegas.
Isabelle Gates, HCF/UNLV Class of '27 is now a Guest Services Representative at Allegiant Stadium.
For more information, please contact Melissa Arias at 702.932.5098, melissa@hcflv.org or or visit the HCF website at www.hcflv.org.
