Food, beverage, entertainment, and the community comes to benefit Epicurean Charitable Foundation
Lead Photos of M.E.N.U.S. 2021 by Joseph Donato (Cashman Photo)
Photo of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy by Rhys A.
M.E.N.U.S. 2022 Casablanca: A Night Dressed in White, the dine-around event of the season, showcases the tastings from participating restaurants and delicious drinks from participating bars. The festive outdoor event will be held at AZILO Ultra Lounge/Ultra Pool at the Sahara Las Vegas on Oct. 7.
M.E.N.U.S. 2022 is the largest fundraiser for the Epicurean Charitable Foundation. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will be the featured performer, and the Meruelo family will be honored.
Epicurean Charitable Foundation (ECF) is comprised of top food and beverage and hospitality executives dedicated to enriching the lives of deserving local students passionate about a career in hospitality or culinary arts. Through scholarships and mentorship opportunities, these gifted but often financially underprivileged students are provided with the means to pursue their dreams and become future leaders of the Las Vegas hospitality industry.
The Foundation’s primary charitable endeavor is the establishment of annual scholarship awards for Clark County high school students seeking careers in the culinary and hospitality industries. ECF selects its scholarship recipients based on academic ability, extracurricular achievements, personal background, and financial need.
ECF awards numerous academic scholarships annually to Clark County high school graduates. Scholarship recipients receive financial support of up to $48,000 that goes toward tuition, books, and other fees. Students also benefit from the guidance and support of the Future Leaders of Hospitality Program, which pairs a student and board member together for the duration of the student’s education. The mentor provides guidance, support, and assistance with job and internship placement upon graduation.
To support the scholarship program, ECF holds its annual gala, M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring and Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students). ECF scholarship recipients come from different backgrounds, genders, and ethnicities. Still, all share one common bond—they are brilliant but lack the means to pursue higher education without any support.
Together for over 28 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy —named after an autograph by blues legend Albert Collins—has appeared in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records, and had their music featured in hundreds of movies and television shows. The group performs at sold-out concerts, symphony orchestras, and television shows ranging from Dancing with the Stars to Superbowl XXXIII. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy continues its mission to celebrate jazz and swing music, America’s original musical art form.
Meruelo Group provides consulting and business support services to a diversified group of client companies across various industries. This includes construction, engineering, hospitality, gaming, television, radio, real estate, food services, financial services, and private equity. The Meruelo Family Scholarship was established to provide financial support for the dependents of team members working at Sahara Las Vegas and Grand Sierra Resort. Alex Meruelo, the owner, embraces the importance of mentorship and education and continues to implement programs that exemplify these values.
For more info, ecflv.org. To purchase tickets or make a donation, click here.
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