From left Wendy Bartlett of Ventnor, gala Chairman Jim Rutala of Linwood, and Maria Mento of Ventnor at last year’s Restaurant Gala.

MAYS LANDING – Atlantic Cape Community College’s annual Restaurant Gala, a cherished tradition, will regrettably not be held this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Atlantic Cape had hoped to reschedule the 37th annual event for a later date in May, but that is not possible due to the unprecedented national crisis.

The annual Restaurant Gala will return on March 11, 2021. In the meantime, Atlantic Cape hopes those who purchased tickets and tables for this year’s event will consider allowing the funds to be donated in support of the scholarship and Emergency Fund programs.

Two raffles that are typically held during the annual gala’s cocktail hour, will be drawn virtually on May 27. There is a 50/50 cash raffle, with three prizes being awarded – 30%, 15%, and 5% of total ticket sales. Tickets are $100 each and only 300 will be sold.

A second raffle will also take place for $50, with only 100 tickets sold. The prize is dinner with wine pairing for eight people at The Old Homestead Steakhouse at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. The funds raised from the raffles will go toward the Emergency Fund, which recently supplied students in need with food and other resources. Tickets for both raffles can be purchased online by credit card at atlantic.edu/raffle

The need is greater than ever before. Donations to these emergency funds can be made by visiting atlantic.edu/foundation and clicking the Make a Donation button.

Through the generosity of the college’s community partners and corporate sponsors, the gala has raised more than $3.5 million in scholarships for Academy of Culinary Arts students through the years.

For more information, contact Kristin Jackson at kjackson@atlantic.edu

Categories: Downbeach

Nanette LoBiondo Galloway

Award winning journalist covering news, events and people of Atlantic County for more than 20 years.