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Dear Friends, Supporters and Students,

As M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring & Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students) quickly approaches, we wanted to take the time to share our stories from last month’s incredible Avero New York City Restaurant Education Experience.

For the first time ever, ECF and Avero LLC selected two deserving students as winners of the one-of-a-kind adventure. Please join me in once again congratulating Vildan Buric and Claudia Soler on being selected!

This is the fourth year Avero has offered the NYC experience, which is exclusive to ECF students. The award recipients, along with their mentors, traveled to New York City for a four-day educational immersion into the food and beverage industry. The students met and learned from leading chefs, managers and restaurateurs while experiencing some of the city’s most prominent dining trends.

This year, I had the great fortune of joining Vildan, one of my mentees, in addition to Claudia and her mentor, Kelley Jones. We explored the city together and gained a behind-the-scenes look into one of the world’s busiest tourist destinations. We were also privileged to meet with the Avero executive team to learn how the company’s business intelligence technology helps food and beverage operators improve efficiency and guest experience.

I’d like to thank Avero for hosting this fantastic educational experience every year and I’m honored and thankful to have experienced it myself. Vildan and Claudia worked extremely hard to earn this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and both were gracious enough to share their stories and photos below.

None of our scholarship awards or unique educational programs would be possible without your continued support. I’d like to thank all of our valued donors, friends, mentors, board members and partners for helping to provide students like Vildan and Claudia with the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Please remember to “like” ECF on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @EpicureanLV for more photos, stories and the latest information on M.E.N.U.S.

We hope to see you October 4^th!

Sincerely,

Michael Kennedy
Secretary of ECF

Epicurean Charitable Foundation’s 12th annual fundraiser, M.E.N.U.S., will be held from 6 to 11:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, at Luxor Hotel and Casino. The gala will feature a private performance of the all-new show, “PRiSM,” by the Jabbawockeez and an exclusive dine-around highlighted by many of the top restaurants in the city. LAX Nightclub will host the official M.E.N.U.S. after-party immediately following the dine-around at 11:30 p.m.

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

RSVP by October 2, 2013

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE
Please contact Liz Gaiter at 702.932.5098 or liz@ecflv.org for more information.

Claudia and Vildan are seniors at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and are currently pursuing degrees in hotel administration. They have shared their experiences below to showcase how the Avero trip opened their eyes to the larger hospitality world, introduced them to New York City and helped to strengthen the relationships with their respective mentors.

Meatball Shop		“When I found out I received a trip as part of the Avero New York City Restaurant Educational Experience, I was ecstatic. I was amazed by the entire trip. From the restaurants we visited, to studying about Avero and meeting and learning from some of the best restaurateurs in New York City, it was truly an unforgettable experience.” – Vildan
Brooklyn Bowl		“Getting introduced to the New York City food & beverage industry by Avero was an eye-opening experience! Not only were we exposed to the city that has produced some of the most legendary restaurants, but we also had a full introduction to the importance and impact Avero has crafted for restaurateurs.” – Claudia
Avero World Headquarters		“My favorite part was learning about Avero. The employees were all so generous, friendly and happy to be there. I learned how Avero began, how it benefits the food and beverage industry and discovered a few future products that are currently being developed.” – Vildan
Eataly NYC		“This trip absolutely changed the relationship Kelley and I have, as we had only been paired together a few months before the trip. It helped us get to know each other, not only as mentor and protégée, but also as friends.” – Claudia
Empire State Building		“I have never been to New York City before, but I heard it was a one-of-a-kind city. I can honestly say I was blown away! From Times Square to the Empire State Building, New York is beautiful. The city is full of energy, and it seemed like the people there did everything with a purpose.” – Vildan
Rooftop of the NoMad Hotel		“I would not only recommend this experience to ECF students, but I will be happy to provide guidance and assistance with the application if needed! Anyone who is passionate about this career path will benefit greatly from the Avero experience.” – Claudia

Soler and Buric were the fourth and fifth students to experience the educational journey since it was developed exclusively for ECF in 2010. Other students to enjoy the program include Ciro Fodera in 2012, Karina Saucedo in 2011 and Leizell Joy Seligbon in 2010.

Ciro Fodera		Karina Saucedo		Leizell Seligbon

Avero is the leading software-as-a-service business intelligence provider to the hospitality industry. With products such as Avero Slingshot and Avero Single Server Mentoring, Avero provides restaurant operators with relevant data-driven insights to help increase revenue, reduce costs, streamline operations and provide a better guest experience. Avero partners with the food and beverage leaders in fine dining, casual dining, hotels and casinos in over 20 countries around the world. Visit their website at www.averoinc.com.

ECF has been able to provide financial support and guidance to students for more than 12 years thanks to generous contributions from donors, which currently include Johnson Brothers, Southern Wine & Spirits, Wirtz Beverage Nevada, Fiji Water, MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and more. Future donors can support ECF with a monetary or in-kind donation, by matching a gift or by becoming a scholarship or M.E.N.U.S sponsor.