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
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.