Tuesday November 25, 2025
Dear Board Members, Students, Alumni, and Supporters,
It is unbelievable to think that we are just weeks away from closing out the fall semester, as well as the 2025 calendar year shortly after that. It has been an incredible few months for the Hospitality Charitable Foundation and we are very proud of the progress made in our mission to empower future leaders in hospitality.
One of the lovely things about the fall season for HCF is our ability to showcase not just the great work of our students and volunteers, but also the community commitment to our mission. Never is that more on display than at M.E.N.U.S. held this year on October 10th. A little rain (and lightning) could not keep our students from shining as they networked and our guests from enjoying the event, as well as supporting our silent auction. Thank you all for making it an incredibly successful event and we look forward to seeing you again next year.
In addition, we are happy to share that scholarships for the 2026 school year are now open. As always, we are excited to see the ambitions of our local students striving to study at UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality. The interview process is rigorous, but the students receiving these full-ride scholarships, along with mentorship, leadership development and extra-curricular engagement are up to the challenge.
As always, it is thanks to the generous support from our sponsors, donors, partners, and board that any of this is possible, and for that we thank you. A very special thank you to Venetian, SAHARA, and Affinity Gaming and their donation back to HCF through the Everi Cares slot giving program.
You can keep up to date with everything HCF at https://www.hcflv.org/ or by following on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Best,
Marti Winer
HCF Vice President
SVP & Regional General Manager, Western Region
Hosts Global
M.E.N.U.S. 2025
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Thank You To Our Restaurants
View the M.E.N.U.S. 2025 Photo Gallery
Thank you to the Future Leaders of Hospitality Board and Students
For without you, this evening would not have been possible.
– Melissa & Chris
Future Leaders of Hospitality Scholarship is OPEN
In 2026, HCF will award over 30 full-ride scholarships thanks to the generosity of our donors—our highest number yet!
Melissa Arias (Executive Director) and Christopher Alfieri (Director of Programs) break down the essentials of applying for scholarships—from starting your application to confidently handling interviews. This practical conversation is packed with tips to help you stand out and succeed.
Upcoming Events
Betting on Brighter Futures 2nd Annual Poker Tournament
January 23, 2026
Southern Glazers Beverage Company
8400 S Jones Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89139
HCF 11th Annual Golf Classic
May 11, 2026
Canyon Gate Country Club
2001 Canyon Gate Dr
Las Vegas, NV 89117
Board & Leadership Updates
Congratulations Board Member, Alexis Meruelo on the launch of the Business of Her Conference
Student & Alumni Highlights
Quinn Loughton ‘29 has been selected to serve as a member of the College of Hospitality Dean's Student Advisory Council (DSAC)
Gregory Haley '27 has started training as the egg station cook for brunch service at Honey Salt.
Sarah Ochoa-Diaz '26, currently works at the SAHARA Las Vegas as a HR Generalist and is working alongside Alexis Meruelo in creating the Business of Her Conference set to launch November 15th. Sarah is set to graduate this coming spring with her Hospitality Management BS and a minor in Spanish language.
Anna Tymoshevska ‘19 has been promoted to Senior Operations Manager at Amazon.
Wine of the Month
For more information, please contact Melissa Arias at 702.932.5098, melissa@hcflv.org or or visit the HCF website at www.hcflv.org.
