Springtime In Paris: Restaurant Gala Returns To Benefit Atlantic Cape

MAYS LANDING, NJ — Enjoy an evening in Paris without leaving New Jersey, all while supporting Atlantic Cape Community College and its students.

Atlantic Cape Community College’s 41st Annual Restaurant Gala will be held on Thursday, March 21, 6-9:30 p.m. at the Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City. This year’s gala theme of Springtime in Paris will feature a “deliciously eclectic mix of some of the region’s most delectable fine foods, desserts and various beverages,” according to a news release.

The Gala will recognize Community Honoree, Travis Lunn, president and chief operating officer, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, and Academy of Culinary Arts (ACA) Honoree, Chef Demetrios Haronis, 1990 ACA graduate and current executive chef at Tropicana Atlantic City.

The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, featuring hors d’oeuvres prepared by the students of the Academy of Culinary Arts. A formal dinner will follow at 7 p.m. in the Wildwood Ballroom, complete with sample signature dishes, desserts and drinks from more than 50 South Jersey establishments. An open bar, live musical entertainment and photo booth will add to festivities.

Three raffle ticket packages are now available for purchase as well.

“Don’t miss out on these amazing raffle opportunities, while making a big difference in the lives of our students. This raffle is more than just selling tickets, it is about directly benefiting students and enhancing their education experience,” said Christopher Mularz, advancement officer and associate director, Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation. “Your investment will provide support for the student emergency fund and student programs at Atlantic Cape.”

A 50/50 cash raffle is available for $100. Only 300 tickets are available for purchase. The first-place prize recipient will take home 30 percent of the total sales, the second-place prize recipient 15 percent and the third-place prize recipient 5 percent.

The first of two prize package raffles feature a private dining experience, valued at $1,000, for six people at the Old Homestead Steak House at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. Only 100 tickets are available for purchase for $50 each.

The second of two prize package raffles feature a three-night stay, complete with a $400 dining credit, at Caesars Entertainment’s Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Only 100 tickets are available for purchase for $50 each. This package is valued at $1,400.

Raffle tickets may be purchased online at atlanticcape.edu/raffle or in-person on the night of the Gala. All raffle drawings will be conducted at 9:00 p.m. on the evening of the Gala. Winners need not be present to win. Raffle 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.

Individual tickets are still available for $250 and tables of 10 for $2,300 (a $200 savings). Various levels of sponsorships and advertising opportunities are available as well. This year’s sponsors include Platinum Sponsors Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and Tropicana Atlantic City, and Gold Sponsors Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind.

Year after year, the Restaurant Gala attracts more than 1,000 community and business leaders, government officials, food enthusiasts and friends of the college. Since its inception in 1984, the Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala has raised more than $4 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. In 2023, $284,575 was raised to provide much-needed funds for culinary students and emergency relief.

For attendees interested in staying overnight at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City following the Gala, they may take advantage of the discounted rate of $69 by providing the group code SH03RG4 when making reservations by telephone by calling 1-888-516-2215.

Visit atlanticcape.edu/gala to purchase tickets and tables, and for sponsorship and advertising opportunities. For more information, please contact Kristin Jackson at kjackson@atlanticcape.edu or (609) 463-3621.