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National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Raises $90,000 for Local Scholarships

Posted: Thursday, March 30, 2006

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – March 30, 2006 – The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) held its 14th annual Leadership Classic golf tournament at the Inn at Spanish Bay in mid-March. The event included an auction that raised $90,000—100% of which will fund scholarships for local students pursuing studies in enology (wine making), viticulture (wine grape growing), and hospitality.

The NRAEF golf tournament and auction brought out the stars of the restaurant and foodservice industry. Luminaries in attendance included legendary hotelier Dick Marriott and former Pittsburg Steeler Franco Harris, famous for his “immaculate reception,” now a restaurateur. A special guest at the auction was former White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta and his wife Sylvia.

The auction featured premium wine and lifestyle packages. One highlight was a magnum of Joseph Phelps Winery’s 2002 Insignia, named Best Wine of 2005 by Wine Spectator magazine, which sold for $4500. A 6-liter bottle of 1986 Opus One commanded $5200. Ted Balestreri, former National Restaurant Association president, and his wife Velma donated a dinner for eight to be held at their Pebble Beach home with wines personally selected from their own collection. This plum item was snapped up by Dick Marriott for $8,000.

The NRAEF is the premiere provider of educational resources, materials, and programs that address attracting and retaining the industry’s workforce. “As the nation’s largest private sector employer, the restaurant and foodservice industry is the cornerstone of the American economy, of career and employment opportunities, and of local communities,” stated NRAEF president and COO Mary M. Adolph.
 
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Leadership Classic is held every year at Pebble Beach. For more information about the NRAEF, visit www.nraef.org or call (312) 261-5342.






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