GROOVIN' AT THE GALA!
With deepest gratitude, the Atlantic Cape Foundation would like to announce that the 43rd Annual Restaurant Gala: Groovin' at the Gala raised a record-breaking $312,130 to support scholarships for students attending the Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management programs as well as emergency funds for Atlantic Cape students. The event was held on Thursday, March 12, 2026 and welcomed more than 850 guests to the beautiful Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City.
Community leaders, industry executives, food and beverage enthusiasts, and college supporters celebrated Community Honoree, Gary Musich, President and CEO for Visit Atlantic City, and 2026 Academy of Culinary Arts Honoree, Giancarlo Generosi '99, Executive Chef at Bally's Atlantic City during the event. The event commenced with a one-hour cocktail reception showcasing hors d’oeuvres prepared by our talented ACA students alongside local restaurants. After the reception, guests entered the Avalon Ballroom, where more than 50 of South Jersey’s top dining establishments served signature dishes, desserts, and libations while the GrooveHeart Band had the dance floor played the best groovy tunes of the 1970s. Guests also enjoyed two photo booth experiences, raffles, photo ops with 1970s characters, and an open bar. To learn more, please read on and make sure to check out photos from this year's event!
Since 1984, the Restaurant Gala has generated nearly $5 million in scholarships for students in our Academy of Culinary Arts (ACA) and Hospitality Management programs as well as raising emergency funds for Atlantic Cape students. We are grateful for the incredible support and appreciate our community's dedication to critical fundraising endeavors like the Restaurant Gala!
For more details about the 2026 Restaurant Gala, please contact Kristin Jackson at kjackson@atlanticcape.edu or (609) 463-3621.
