Restaurant Gala Mission
The Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala was established in 1984 to raise scholarship funds for students in the state’s largest culinary school, the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College. The Academy opened in 1981 to prepare highly skilled workers for the growing regional hospitality industry and has graduated over 4,000 students. All proceeds go to the Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit charity organization, and support scholarships for ACA students and Foundation operations.
Party with a purpose! Since its inception in 1984, the Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala has raised well over $4.3 million for student scholarships. Your participation and support enables the Atlantic Cape Foundation to continue to support worthy culinary arts students and Foundation operations. Thank you for your support!
For more information about the Restaurant Gala, please contact Kristin Jackson at kjackson@atlanticcape.edu or (609) 463-3621.
Restaurant Gala Committee
Co-Chairs
- Terry Budd '78, Atlantic Cape Foundation and Atlantic Cape Community College (Retired)
- Deb Pellegrino '92, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Members
- Sandi Harvey*, Still with us in Loving Spirit, Visit Atlantic City (Retired)
- Edwin Blake, Blake and Associates (Honorary Member)
- Nancy Adler, Nancy Adler Nutrition
- Lawrence Alexander, Jr., Oak View Hospitality Group
- Leigh Chairman, Spencer Gifts
- Fran Coppola, Historic Towne of Smithville
- Karen Dalbora, Renault Winery
- Rebecca Guerrasio, Crest Savings Bank
- Chef James Hennessey, '00, Aramark - Lincoln Financial Field
- Brian W. Jones, The First National Bank of Elmer
- Greg Koshland, Caesars Entertainment
- Chris Lee '98, Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
- Janet Markowitz, Chester's Plant and Flowers
- Chef Joseph Massaglia, Mama Mia's Ristorante (Retired)
- Mila McDonough, Schultz-Hill Foundation/Atlantic City Ballet
- Mary Moliver, Visit Atlantic City
- Hugh Turner, Ocean Casino Resort and Atlantic Cape Foundation
- John "Scannicchio" Varalli, Scannicchio's Restaurant (Retired)
- Sybil Victor, Atlantic City Fire Department (Retired)
- Dennis Vrba, Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
- Kailin Wise '03, Ocean Casino Resort
Atlantic Cape Team
- Laura Batchelor, Marketing & College Relations
- Deena Happersett, Marketing & College Relations
- Kristin Jackson '09, Advancement/Atlantic Cape Foundation
- Yessenia Garcia, Marketing & College Relations
- Nicole Thompson, Marketing & College Relations
- David Zuba '18, Marketing & College Relations
Ex-Officio
- Dr. Barbara Gaba, President, Atlantic Cape Community College
- James Rutala, President, Atlantic Cape Foundation
- Jean McAlister, Executive Director, Atlantic Cape Foundation and Chief of Staff
- Chef Joseph Sheridan '96, Director, Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management
- Christopher Mularz '01, Associate Director, Atlantic Cape Foundation and Advancement Officer
- Jeffrey Wenzel, Associate Director, Atlantic Cape Foundation and Director, Restricted Accounting
*Sandi Harvey passed away on December 7, 2024. The 2025 Restaurant Gala will be dedicated in memory of Sandi and the lasting legacy she left on the Atlantic City region. In business and personal relationships, Sandi's warmth, loyalty, and kind spirit left an impact on every interaction. Our hearts are with her family, friends, and former colleagues.
