Proceeds from the event will go toward the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas' scholarship program that supports Las Vegas area students in their pursuit of a career in the hospitality field. Each year, the Foundation awards a limited number of scholarships to students who exhibit great academic ability and personal dedication, but lack the financial means to achieve their goal. The scholarship includes coverage of all their academic expenses as well as mentorship and guidance from members of the Foundation. The primary sponsors of the scholarship program are the Harrah's Foundation, MGM Mirage Corporation, Station Casinos, Southern Highlands Golf Club, Future Brands, American Airlines, Cartier, Salvatore Ferragamo, Red Bull, Brioni and Ermenegildo Zegna.

"We are proud to be hosting this event with highly respected industry leaders who are donating their time and effort for this admirable program," said Shawn Ritchie, president of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation. "Through their efforts, along with the generous support of the contributors, the Foundation's scholarship program will continue to aid worthy students in their aspiration to someday serve as the next generation of hospitality executives in Las Vegas."

Tickets prices start at $500 with tables of 10 starting at $5,000. Guests will be able to enjoy a grand selection of delicacies from the numerous dining stations set up throughout the venue offering cuisine from the top restaurants and chefs in Las Vegas. For donations in excess of $15,000, groups can be treated to a meal prepared by their own dedicated chef and receive private bar and wait service.

The event will also serve to honor UNLV's Basketball Head Coach Lon Kruger for his outstanding commitment to education and the Las Vegas community. "For an evening dedicated to raising funds for education, it is our privilege to honor a man of integrity and great leadership such as Lon Kruger" said Rino Armeni, founder of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation. "In addition, we are very proud of supporting a winning program such as UNLV's mens' basketball, not only for its athletic achievements, but also for its dedication to the education of student-athletes."

The evening's entertainment will be a special guest performance by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. With hit single "Love Song," Bareilles has reached the number one spot on Billboard's Pop 100 charts. She has enjoyed mainstream success performing on major morning and late night talk shows including The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The David Letterman Show. Guests will enjoy her pop sensation songs in the open-air setting of Mandalay Bay Beach.

The evening will also include an auction with a variety of high-end gifts. The items to be auctioned off include travel to locations including Italy, New York and Sonoma, Calif. In addition to gifts and travel, special auctions will include private cooking lessons with some of Las Vegas' finest chefs. "Some of these auction items, particularly the private cooking lessons, are truly about the experience, which is priceless in many aspects," said Ritchie. "Our Foundation is incredibly grateful for these chefs and other professionals who are donating their time to support the Las Vegas's hospitality industry."

About the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas
Founded in May 2001, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas is comprised of more than 40 top food and beverage executives who are dedicated to making a difference in the hospitality industry and the community through support of the local education system and hospitality and culinary related organizations, charities and associations. The Foundation's primary charitable endeavor is the establishment of annual scholarship awards for local students seeking careers in the hospitality industry. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached 702-932-5098 or by visiting www.ECFLV.org.

To honor Adiyl Mir, Saddiq established the Adiyl Mir Memorial Scholarship in his son's name to help deserving high school students receive a higher education. Partnering with Epicurean Charitable Foundation and Rio Secco Golf Club, the 1st Annual Adiyl Mir Memorial Golf Tournament was established to help raise scholarship funds.

"As an organization, we wanted to do something to support our fellow board member and celebrate the life of his son," said Epicurean Charitable Foundation President Shawn Ritchie. "We are extremely pleased with the turnout of the event. It is a true testament to our community and our members that they would so graciously donate their time and money to support our friend and board member Saddiq."

For more information about the Adiyl Mir Memorial Scholarship, visit lisdef.com.

About the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas
Founded in May 2001, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas is comprised of more than 40 top food and beverage executives who are dedicated to making a difference in the hospitality industry and the community through support of the local education system and hospitality and culinary related organizations, charities and associations. The Foundation's primary charitable endeavor is the establishment of annual scholarship awards for local students seeking careers in the hospitality industry. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached 702-932-5098 or by visiting www.ECFLV.org.

To honor Adiyl Mir, Saddiq established the Adiyl Mir Memorial Scholarship in his son's name to help deserving high school students receive a higher education. Partnering with Epicurean Charitable Foundation and Rio Secco Golf Club, the 1st Annual Adiyl Mir Memorial Golf Tournament was established to help raise scholarship funds.

"It means so much that the Foundation and the community of Las Vegas have come together to create this event to remember and celebrate the life of my son," said Saddiq Mir. "The outpour of support has been tremendous and I thank everyone. Adiyl would be very proud that this scholarship was established in his honor."

The tournament cost is $125 per person or $500 per foursome, with all funds raised going to the Adiyl Mir Memorial Scholarship. The tournament begins at 7:30 a.m. Lunch, awards and raffle prizes will follow the tournament. For more information and to register for the tournament, call 702-777-2402. For those unable to participate in the tournament, but still wishing to contribute to the scholarship, visit www.lisdef.com to make a donation. Click "Donate Now," "Online Donations," and "Make A Donation" or mail a personal check or money order to:

Adiyl Mir Memorial Scholarship
Lewisville ISD Education Foundation
PO Box 643
Lewisville, TX 75067

About the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas
Founded in May 2001, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas is comprised of more than 40 top food and beverage executives who are dedicated to making a difference in the hospitality industry and the community through support of the local education system and hospitality and culinary related organizations, charities and associations. The Foundation's primary charitable endeavor is the establishment of annual scholarship awards for local students seeking careers in the hospitality industry. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached 702-932-5098 or by visiting www.ECFLV.org.

Hosted by none other than television genius and celebrity icon Robin Leach, the International Star Chef Challenge will begin at 12:30 p.m. on the Culinary Concepts and Innovations Stage at the Las Vegas Convention Center and showcase team Las Vegas versus team Hawaii. The competition will feature 45 minutes of cooking competition based on a secret “themed” ingredient, which will be revealed to the audience and chefs at the beginning of the competition. The chefs must prepare a minimum of four dishes, three entrees and one dessert, based on the secret ingredient. At the conclusion of the time, the dishes will be tasted by a panel of three distinguished judges including Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority; Brad Friedmutter, president of Friedmutter Group and John Unwin, general manager of Caesars Palace. The winning team will receive a trophy and will be invited back to the competition next year to challenge another team.

On the Las Vegas team will be Executive Chefs Anthony Amoroso and Martin Heierling from the Bellagio. Amoroso, executive chef at MICHAEL MINA Bellagio, learned his craft in some of the best kitchens in the country and works closely with celebrity chef Michael Mina to create the refined American and seafood dishes Mina is famous for. Likewise, his teammate, Martin Heierling, has amassed an impressive culinary resume on his path to becoming executive chef at Bellagio’s Sensi. Heierling is charged with bringing to life the four complementary cuisines – Italian, Asian, American and seafood specialties of Sensi.

The Hawaii team will showcase the culinary skills of Fred DeAngelo, executive chef and owner of Ola at Turtle Bay Resort and Chai Chaowasaree, owner and chef of Singha Thai Cuisine and Chai’s Island Bistro. Well-respected in Hawaii’s culinary community, Chef DeAngelo’s contemporary Hawaiian cuisine has taken several restaurants to unparalleled heights.

Ola gained national recognition from Sante Magazine by being recognized for Excellence in Culinary Hospitality-Innovative Cuisine for the West Coast of the United States. In addition to DeAngelo’s expertise, team Hawaii also includes Chaowasaree, who is recognized as one of the best chefs on the island and is one of the founders of Hawaii’s Island Chefs.

Special admission into the International Restaurant Show Las Vegas will be given to those who register at www.internationalrestaurantshow.com/vip/vegas. Exhibit Hall passes for Tuesday, February 26 and Wednesday, February 27 are $25 and the Education Program, which include all food and beverage seminars held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, keynote addresses, super sessions and exhibit halls for all four shows and nightly networking events will be $525. This price does not include pre-conference workshops, Sunday Power Lunch, off-premise track or paid networking events.

About the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas

Founded in May 2001, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas was created as a forum for Las Vegas food and beverage executives to share ideas and knowledge to foster a stronger and more unified hospitality industry in Las Vegas. Comprised of more than 40 of Las Vegas’ top food & beverage executives, the Foundation’s members have dedicated their time and resources to the goal of aligning the hospitality industry with the community through support of the local education system, related organizations, charities and associations. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached at 702-932-5098 or via its website at www.ECFLV.org.

The Foundation awards each qualified high school student up to $10,000 per year to cover tuition, books and fees to attend an accredited four-year college of their choice during the academic year following their graduation. Students must plan to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in hotel management or food and beverage programs. Each student must graduate with a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 and demonstrate the personal dedication necessary to pursue a career in the hospitality industry, but lack the financial means to achieve their goals. In addition to the financial support, recipients also receive a mentor from the Foundation’s ranks for constant guidance and opportunities for internships throughout the student’s college career.

The Foundation’s mission with the scholarship program is to aid worthy students in their endeavors and to create a pipeline of extraordinarily talented people who will someday serve as the next generation of hospitality executives in Las Vegas. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded 19 academic scholarships to Clark County high school graduates.

 “As executives and leaders of the Las Vegas hospitality industry, it is very important for us to invest in the future of the industry,” said Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas Founder Rino Armeni. “We have been very fortunate to award tremendously talented men and women with this scholarship in the past. This year, to hope to extend this scholarship to even more students who will someday become the next generation of executives in the Las Vegas hospitality industry.”

About the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas Founded in May 2001, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas was created as a forum for Las Vegas food and beverage executives to share ideas and knowledge to foster a stronger and more unified hospitality industry in Las Vegas. Comprised of more than 40 of Las Vegas’ top food & beverage executives, the Foundation’s members have dedicated their time and resources to the goal of aligning the hospitality industry with the community through support of the local education system, related organizations, charities and associations. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation can be reached at 702-932-5098 or via its website at www.ECFLV.org.

The Epicurean Charitable Foundation will make a $1,000 per game scholarship contribution to the UNLV men’s basketball program in the name of the Runnin’ Rebel student-athlete who best exemplifies the competitive spirit and determination in giving UNLV its best chance for victory. The donations will assist the men’s basketball program with scholarships and academic assistance support.

“The Epicurean Charitable Foundation and Rino Armeni do a terrific job in their efforts to provide scholarship assistance for college students,” said Lon Kruger, UNLV men’s basketball head coach. “We appreciate their partnership in contributing to our scholarship program through the Student-Athlete of the Game program.”

Founded in 2001, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation utilizes the collective resources of local food and beverage executives to create educational opportunities and quality relationships throughout the community.

“We are very proud of supporting a winning program such as UNLV’s, not only for its athletic achievements, but also for its dedication to the education of student-athletes,” said Rino Armeni, founder of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation. “In addition, it is our privilege to work with a man of integrity and great leadership such as Lon Kruger.”

About the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas

Founded in May 2001, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas was created as a forum for Las Vegas food and beverage executives to share ideas and knowledge to foster a stronger and more unified hospitality industry in Las Vegas. Comprised of more than 40 of Las Vegas’ top food & beverage executives, the Foundation’s members have dedicated their time and resources to the goal of aligning the hospitality industry with the community through support of the local education system, related organizations, charities and associations. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached at 702-932-5098 or via its website at www.ECFLV.org.

The scholarships will be given to four students of the academy’s first graduating class in 2009. The students must desire a career in hospitality and show the academic ability and personal dedication to pursue that goal. The scholarship award includes financial support of up to $10,000 per year to cover tuition, books and fees. In addition to the monetary support, recipients also receive a mentor from the Foundation’s ranks for constant guidance and opportunities for internships throughout the student’s college career. Upon graduation, the Foundation aids the students in finding employment in Las Vegas’ hospitality industry.

“The work that Andre Agassi and his school does is a blessing to our community and to all the students it helps,” said Rino Armeni, founder of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas. “We are very proud to provide these scholarships which will continue giving support and guidance to these students during their post-secondary academic pursuits.”

Since its inception, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas has awarded 19 academic scholarships to Clark County high school graduates. The Foundation’s goal with this scholarship program is to aid worthy students in their endeavors and to create a pipeline of extraordinarily talented people who will someday serve as the next generation of hospitality executives in Las Vegas. Due to the program’s overwhelming success, the Foundation has dedicated its efforts and resources to significantly increase the number of annual awards.

Photo Cutline

With Andre Agassi in attendance, Rino Armeni, founder of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas, announces the Foundation’s dedication of four scholarships to the first graduating class of the Andre Agassi Preparatory Academy. The announcement was made at the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas’ annual scholarship fundraiser held on October 19, 2007 at Mandalay Bay Beach. Photo credit: Audrey Dempsey

About the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas

Founded in May 2001, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas was created as a forum for Las Vegas food and beverage executives to share ideas and knowledge to foster a stronger and more unified hospitality industry in Las Vegas. Comprised of more than 40 of Las Vegas’ top food & beverage executives, the Foundation’s members have dedicated their time and resources to the goal of aligning the hospitality industry with the community through support of the local education system, related organizations, charities and associations. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached at 702-932-5098 or via their website at www.ECFLV.org.

“We are very proud to be supporting these tremendously gifted and dedicated young women, “ said Shawn Ritchie, president of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas. “In getting to know them through our selection process, we have every confidence that they will excel as students and, eventually, as leaders in the hospitality industry.”

Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded 19 academic scholarships to Clark County high school graduates. Each student must demonstrate the academic ability and personal dedication necessary to pursue a career in the hospitality industry, but lack the financial means to achieve their goals. In addition to the financial support, recipients also receive a mentor from the Foundation’s ranks for constant guidance and opportunities for internships throughout the student’s college career. Due to the program’s overwhelming success, the Foundation has dedicated its efforts and resources to significantly increase the number of annual awards.

“As executives and leaders of the Las Vegas hospitality industry, this Foundation cares very deeply about not only the industry’s current state, but also about its future growth and prosperity,” said Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas founder Rino Armeni. “Our goal is to groom these exceptional students to someday become the next generation of executives in the Las Vegas hospitality industry.”

This year’s scholarship recipients come from diverse backgrounds but all share the common goal of achieving success in the hospitality arena:

Catherine Caro graduated from Spring Valley High School and also attended the Area Trade Technical Center (ATTC). She will be attending the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) pursuing a degree in Culinary Arts Management with hopes of someday opening her own Italian restaurant.

Hanny Herrada emigrated from Cuba and graduated from Las Vegas High School while also attending the ATTC. Hanny has interned at the Venetian and will be seeking a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration/Operations at UNLV.

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Myra Aguirre attended ATTC and graduated from Cheyenne High School, while also interning with Holiday Inn. She will be attending UNLV seeking a degree in Hotel Administration/Operations.

Alona Rideout graduated from Eldorado High School and also attended the ATTC and has done an internship at Boulder Station. She is enrolled in UNLV and will major in Culinary Arts Management.

About the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas

Founded in May 2001, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas was created as a forum for Las Vegas food and beverage executives to share ideas and knowledge to foster a stronger and more unified hospitality industry in Las Vegas. Comprised of more than 40 of Las Vegas’ top food & beverage executives, the Foundation’s members have dedicated their time and resources to the goal of aligning the hospitality industry with the community through support of the local education system, related organizations, charities and associations. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached at 702-932-5098 or via their website at www.ECFLV.org.

Titled “Cocktails & Coral,” the casual beachside setting will feature food prepared by the finest chefs and restaurants in Las Vegas along with a fantastic collection of wines and spirits. Some of the participating restaurants include Nine Fine Irishmen, Toby Keith’s I Love this Bar and Grill, Circo, Stripsteak, Fleur de Lys, Onda, China Grill, Border Grill, Vintner Grill, Sensi, Aquaknox and Isla. Doors to the event will open at 7 pm. For information on purchasing tickets, guests can contact the Foundation at (702) 932-5098 or via email at info@ecflv.org.

Proceeds from the event will go toward the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas’ scholarship program that supports Las Vegas area students in their pursuit of a career in the hospitality field. Each year, up to four scholarships are awarded to students who exhibit great academic ability and personal dedication but lack the financial means to achieve their goal. The scholarship includes coverage of all their academic expenses as well as mentorship and guidance from members of the Foundation. The primary sponsors of the scholarship program are the Harrah’s Foundation, MGM-Mirage Corporation, Station Casinos, Southern Highlands Golf Club, Future Brands, Friedmutter Group and The Patrón Spirits Company.

“We are proud to be hosting this event with the support of such high caliber restaurateurs who are donating their time and effort for this worthy program,” said Shawn Ritchie, president of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas. “Through their efforts, along with the generous support of the contributors, the Foundation’s scholarship program will continue to offer young men and women who are seeking to be the future leaders of our industry the opportunity to reach that dream.”

Tickets prices start at $500 with tables of 10 starting at $5,000. Guests will be able to enjoy a grand selection of delicacies from the numerous dining stations set up throughout the venue offering cuisine from the top restaurants and chefs in Las Vegas. For donations in excess of $15,000, groups can be treated to a meal prepared by their own dedicated chef and receive private bar and wait service.

The event will also serve to honor Las Vegas’ own Andre Agassi for his extensive philanthropic work, especially his efforts to aid at-risk students through the Andre Agassi Preparatory Academy.

“For an evening dedicated to raising funds for education, we could think of no more deserving individual to honor than Andre,” said Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas founder Rino Armeni. “The work he does through his academy gives young boys and girls an opportunity for a bright future that they might not otherwise enjoy.”

The evening’s entertainment will be a special guest performance by the rock super group Chicago. With a signature horn section that set them apart from most rock acts, Chicago has enjoyed a string of top 10 hits making it one of the longest running and most successful rock and roll groups in history. Guests will enjoy their classic songs in the intimate setting of Mandalay Bay Beach.

The evening will also include an auction with a variety of high-end gifts. The items to be auctioned off include travel to locations including Italy, Jamaica, London, and Sonoma. In addition to gifts and travel, special auctions will include private cooking lessons with some of Las Vegas’ finest chefs. “Some of these auction items, particularly the private cooking lessons, simply cannot not be bought,” said Foundation chairman Bart Mahoney. “It is a testament to the generosity of these chefs and other professionals who are donating their valuable time and energies for this important cause. Our Foundation is incredibly grateful for their selflessness.”

About the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas

Founded in May 2001, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas was created as a forum for Las Vegas food and beverage executives to share ideas and knowledge to foster a stronger and more unified hospitality industry in Las Vegas. Comprised of more than 40 of Las Vegas’ top food & beverage executives, the Foundation’s members have dedicated their time and resources to the goal of aligning the hospitality industry with the community through support of the local education system, related organizations, charities and associations. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached at 702-932-5098 or via its website at www.ECFLV.org.

The members of the new board are:

Chairman - Bart Mahoney, Vice President of Food & Beverage, City Center President - Shawn Ritchie, Vice President of Food & Beverage, Harrah’s Las Vegas Vice President - Kevin Stuessi, Stuessi Group Vice President - Chris Fava, Vice President of Food & Beverage, New York, New York Secretary - Adam Odegard, Vice President of Food & Beverage, Treasure Island Treasurer - Rick Goldstein, Vice President of Food & Beverage, Monte Carlo Resort & Casino Founder - Rino Armeni, Executive Marketing Director, Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada

The new board will lead the Foundation’s effort to offer college scholarships for local students pursuing a career in hospitality and to align the hospitality industry as a strong supporter of the local Las Vegas community.

“Our board is excited to lead this Foundation which has achieved so much in a short period of time and yet, has even bigger plans for the future,” said Shawn Ritchie, president of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas. “In the next two years, our goal will be to continue to grow our college scholarship program and to strengthen and expand our role in improving the local Las Vegas community.”

The Foundation’s primary charitable endeavor is the establishment of college scholarships for local students seeking a career in the hospitality industry in Las Vegas. Each year, the Foundation awards up to four academic scholarships to Clark County high school graduates who demonstrate the academic ability and personal dedication to pursue a career in the hospitality industry, but lack the financial means to achieve their goals. The students receive financial support up to $10,000 per year that goes toward tuition, books and fees. Scholarship recipients also receive on-going guidance and mentoring from the members of the Foundation throughout their educational experience. The Foundation has committed to doubling its annual scholarship awards by 2009.

Upcoming projects include the Foundation’s annual charity fundraising event to support its scholarship program. This year’s event will be held on October 19 at the Mandalay Bay Beach and will honor Andre Agassi for his efforts on behalf of Las Vegas’ at-risk school children and will feature a special performance by the legendary rock group Chicago. Other activities include sponsoring monthly lunches at the Nevada Cancer Institute along with active support of such charities as Keep Memory Alive, Opportunity Village, the Governor’s Black Tie Invitational at Southern Highlands and FIT for an Independent Tomorrow. The Foundation’s future endeavors include plans to develop a nutrition exhibit for the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum and to support the creation of a new facility for Three Square, a Las Vegas organization committed to proving nutritional and healthy meals to the homeless.

“Our Foundation has really grown into the organization I envisioned,” said Rino Armeni, Founder of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas. “I find it quite impressive that such an esteemed group of industry leaders are donating their time and resources while working in concert for the betterment of our industry and our community.”

The board members are elected to a two-year term that expires on April 2009.

About the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas

Founded in May 2001, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas was created as a forum for Las Vegas food and beverage executives to share ideas and knowledge to foster a stronger and more unified hospitality industry in Las Vegas. Comprised of more than 40 of Las Vegas’ top food & beverage executives, the Foundation’s members have dedicated their time and resources to the goal of aligning the hospitality industry with the community through support of the local education system, related organizations, charities and associations. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached at 702-932-5098 or via their website at www.ECFLV.org.

In addition to the monetary donation, the Foundation’s member chefs will provide food for approximately 400 people at the UNLV end-of-the year banquet on Sunday, March 16 at Cox Pavilion. Beverage will be provided courtesy of Southern Wine & Spirits. The banquet is held for athletes and their families as well as sponsors and the athletic department.

About the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas

Founded in May 2001, the Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas was created as a forum for Las Vegas food and beverage executives to share ideas and knowledge to foster a stronger and more unified hospitality industry in Las Vegas. Comprised of more than 40 of Las Vegas’ top food & beverage executives, the Foundation’s members have dedicated their time and resources to the goal of aligning the hospitality industry with the community through support of the local education system, related organizations, charities and associations. The Epicurean Charitable Foundation Las Vegas can be reached at 702-932-5098 or via their website at www.ECFLV.org.