Wednesday November 23, 2022
Dear Friends, Supporters and Students,
As we approach Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the opportunity ECF has given me to change the lives of Las Vegas’ most amazing young people. As a mentor, it is our job to teach and educate our students, but they have taught me so much in return. On behalf of our board and students, I’d like to thank everyone for helping to make M.E.N.U.S. 2022: Casablanca (Mentoring & Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students) held on Friday, October 17th, at SAHARA Las Vegas an overwhelming success and supporting our students.
The evening honored philanthropic family The Meruelo Family and culminated with a surprise check presentation from Alexis Meruelo. Over 1,000 guests attended M.E.N.U.S. and enjoyed more than 50 participating restaurants and bars. The dine-around was complemented by an engaging performance from Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. M.E.N.U.S. The evening’s theme Casablanca was highlighted with beautiful décor from MGM Event Production and exciting atmospheric entertainment by ILEA, New Moon Production, and Champagne Creative. Fergie, Las Vegas’ favorite camel, was a highlight of the evening.
With the glamour of M.E.N.U.S., it is important to recognize the overall purpose of our annual event: to raise money for deserving local students. These young individuals are inspirations for us all and continue to outshine and outperform our highest expectations every year. Our full-ride scholarships are now available on the PEF website or by clicking here. As always, you can keep up to date with everything ECF at www.ecflv.org or by following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @EpicureanLV.
All the best,
Colleen Birch
Chairwoman of Epicurean Charitable Foundation
M.E.N.U.S. 2022
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. 2022 photos!
THANKS TO OUR 2022 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, ILEA, 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. 2022. Their responsibilities included overseeing registration, coordinating the silent auction, assisting with the VIP lounge and the set up and break down of the event.
2023 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
ECF ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC
ECF 8th Annual Golf Classic
Save the Date – May 15, 2022
Canyon Gate Country Club
More information to be announced!
WINE OF THE MONTH
BOARD UPDATES
President Kevin Ball who is now VP of Procurement at Fontainebleau Las Vegas!
Sherri Sosa is now SVP of HR Operations and Partnerships for MGMRI
Jason Wade is Vice President of Sales, Wine & Spirits at Breakthru Beverage Group
GRADUATE AND STUDENT UPDATES
Razelle Antipuesto is now a cake decorator and and in charge of the macaroon station at Nutriente Pastry Studio
Kyle Peng is now baker for Bouchon Bistro
Alumna, Cami Keenan is now Event Services Supervisor for MGM Event Production
Alumna, Rocio Vasquez is now Assistant Manager/Staff accountant for the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts!
Alumna, Ashley Hassler is Associate Account Manager for MC2
Alumna, Maria Miranda is now Assistant Manager at The Signature MGM
Miriam Munoz Gonzalez has obtained an internship at internship in Sales with the Las Vegas Convention Center and will be graduating in December!
Alumnus Malek Sadri was promoted to the Executive Casino Host of Graveyard at Wynn and just was informed that he's been accepted to be on Alumni Board of Directors for UNLV’s Hospitality College.
ECF IN THE NEWS
Read about M.E.N.U.S. 2022 in the latest issue of PR%F the Magazine.
For more information, please contact Melissa Arias at 702.932.5098, melissa@ecflv.org or visit the ECF website at www.ecflv.org.
