ATLANTIC CITY - The 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala highlighted the excitement, glitz, glamour and prestige of New York City’s world-renowned Broadway as more than 900 guests flocked to the Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center to raise more than $305,000 for student scholarships while also honoring deserving members of the community.
This year’s Restaurant Gala recognized Community Honoree Ocean Casino Resort, and Academy of Culinary Arts Honorees Chef Educators Annmarie Chelius, Ruth Latorre, Vincent (Rocky) Tedeschi and Linda Wohlman. Gala sponsors included Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and Tropicana Atlantic City, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and Love, Tito’s; and Ocean Casino Resort Atlantic City.
The evening began with a one-hour lavish cocktail reception complete with hors d’oeuvres created by ACA students. Broadway characters, such as The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, and Wicked Witch of the West and East, posed for photographs with those in attendance.
As guests entered the Broadway-bedazzled Wildwood Ballroom, they were treated to an eclectic mix of the region’s most delectable foods, signature dishes, desserts and some of the tastiest libations. More than 30 restaurants, including long-standing participants Dock’s Oyster House, Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar, Knife & Fork Inn, Renault Winery & Resort and Smithville Inn, offered samples of some their tastiest creations. Ten dessert participants brought enough sweets to sooth any sweet tooth. Seven beverage participants provided sample beverages from popular local wineries, breweries and distilleries with craft IPA beers, red and white wines, champagne and more.
Craig Matthews The Mainland High School Drumline set the upbeat tempo for the evening, leading a musical procession into the ballroom, which was followed by Broadway star Kelly Briggs, singing a rendition of 42nd Street while members of Leslie’s Dance Studio provided moving tap dance routine during the song.
“We are very fortunate to have such a caring casino, business and restaurant community that gives back to Atlantic Cape for the next generation of chefs, entrepreneurs and leaders," Atlantic Cape President Barbara Gaba said. "I am truly honored and eternally grateful for the support of Caesars Entertainment and the generous support or our donors and guests.”
As the Community Honoree, Ocean Casino Resort is a pillar of the Atlantic City community and steadfast in its philanthropic efforts. Its contributions both monetarily and through team member volunteerism across multiple local and regional organizations endeavor to improve health & human services, culture, education and the lives of veterans and disadvantaged citizens.
“At Ocean, we feel that our philanthropic efforts extend far past any individual and are truly a team effort. From serving meals to those less fortunate to running the bases with special needs children, our team members continuously step up to give back whenever possible," Senior Vice President and CFO Hugh Turner said. “Ocean is proud to serve as a pillar of the community with monetary contributions, team member volunteerism and fundraising initiatives across multiple local and regional organizations. We remain steadfast in our commitment to Atlantic City, including Atlantic Cape Foundation, and most recently, through our participation in the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program, we were able to direct $1 million to benefit the Inlet Community Development Corporation."
Craig Matthews This year’s ACA Honorees have taught at the college now for a combined 90 years.
“I was so excited to find out that I was going to be an honored with my fellow chefs. As an alumna of the ACA from 1984, as well as a graduate of Atlantic Cape Community College, I couldn’t be more thrilled,” said Chelius, an ACA alumna who earned a BS in Business Administration from Thomas Edison State University and an MS in Hospitality from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She began her career as a pastry chef in the casino industry. “It really has been a wonderful road to success as I am finishing my 30th year teaching. Thank you so much.”
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Gala Committee for the incredible honor of being chosen as this year’s honorees,” said Latorre, an ACA alumna and an accomplished culinary professional who began teaching in 2010 as a baking and pastry adjunct instructor at the ACA before becoming a full-time chef educator is an active advisor to the Academy's Culinary Student Association. “It is truly a privilege to be recognized among such talented and passionate individuals.”
“Coming back as an alumnus and teaching my students the craft of culinary arts has been an honor for the past 26 years,” said Tedeschi, who has over 35 years of experience in the food service industry and more than 25 years as a chef educator at the ACA. His culinary expertise spans the country and he incorporates it into his teaching. “It’s an honor to touch so many people’s lives in the culinary arts realm through the students and everybody that eats the food they create for years to come. Thank you.”
“The ACA serves as a core foundation for further education. If offers entry into the culinary arts profession,” said Wohlman, who is an ACA alumna and graduate of Johnson and Wales University. For more than 20 years, Wohlman has been an ACA faculty member focusing on educating and mentoring culinary students. “The Restaurant Gala is the grand gesture of support for our students from private patrons, local businesses and our dedicated College community. The scholarship money raised provides needed financial assistance to our students toward achieving their goals and culinary dreams. Thank you.”
ACCC/Kyle TimpsonACA alumnus and Hell’s Kitchen Season 23 (Head Chefs Only) winner Kyle Timpson, who joined Tony Beef co-owners Anthony and Nicholas Della Vecchia at their caviar bar during the cocktail hour, was excited to attend the Gala once again and give back to the College.
“I think it’s important to come back and do things with the community college. It’s nice to come back and show people that you don’t have to have an expensive culinary education,” Timpson said. “Just because you go to a community college doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish things. It’s all about the connections and what you make of it.”
ACCC/Actor Kelsey GrammerEmmy-winning actor, director and producer Kelsey Grammer, of “Frasier” and “Cheers” fame, brought his Margaretville, NY-based Faith American Brewing Company, which he founded 10 years ago, to the Gala.
“For the last several years I have been trying to introduce my beer in Atlantic City. I didn’t grow up in Atlantic City, but I used to vacation here from the time I was five years old. So, it’s just a marker in my life that has value for me,” Grammer said. “I am trying to honor the past, my own personal past and the past of Atlantic City, the magnificent city that it is, by supporting it. I just hope that Faith American Brewing Company becomes synonymous with Atlantic City.”
Live musical entertainment was provided by “GrooveHeart Band” and its up-tempo sounds that brought the attendees to their feet and on to the dance floor.
The 50/50 raffle raised $21,400, half of which will go towards culinary student scholarships. The three winners split their share of the $10,700 three ways with first-place winner Wendy Bartlett receiving 30%, second place winner Stephen Devlin 15% and third place winner Alesia Shute, 5%.
ACCCRaffle ticket proceeds support an emergency fund for students attending Atlantic Cape, regardless of program of study. This fund is crucial to supporting students that encounter unexpected financial emergencies so they may continue their studies.
This year’s Gala was held in memory of former Restaurant Gala committee member Sandi Harvey, who recently passed away. Harvey left a lasting legacy in the hearts of many at the Gala and in Atlantic City, and her family was on-hand to honor Harvey’s memory. A scholarship will be funded by Visit Atlantic City in her name.
Since its inception in 1984, the Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala has raised more than $4.6 million for scholarships for students attending the Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management program, an emergency fund, special projects and Atlantic Cape Foundation operations.
Visit atlanticcape.edu/gala for more information on the Restaurant Gala and the Academy of Culinary Arts.
