WELCOME

The Epicurean Charitable Foundation is a Las Vegas-based, non-profit organization committed to making a positive difference in the community and enriching the lives of deserving local students passionate about a career in hospitality and/or culinary arts by providing scholarship monies and mentorship opportunities.

TWO GREAT CAUSES - ONE NIGHT OF ELEGANCE

On May 4, 2013 the Epicurean Charitable Foundation divided its attendance between two incredible events supporting wonderful causes here in Las Vegas. $15,000 was provided to both the Ladybug Ball benefiting Nevada Blind Children Foundation, which was held at Aria Resort and Casino and the Latin Chamber of Commerce's Señoras of Distinction/Señores of Excellence Gala, which was held at the Wynn Resort.

Please join us in congratulating our friends at Southern Wine and Spirits who was presented the Connor Award at the Ladybug Ball. We'd also like to congratulate this year's Señoras of Distinction and Señores of Excellence:
Eloiza B. Martinez (Vice President, Wells Fargo Bank)
RET Honorable Jackie Glass (8th Judicial District Court)
Tony Gladney (Vice President, National Diversity Relations, Caesars Entertainment)
Dr. Neil Smatresk (President, University Nevada Las Vegas)
Health Care Partners of Nevada
Sammy Sosa (Baseball Legend)

SPECIAL THANKS TO POPPY DEN

On April 1 our Executive Committee, Board Members, students, staff and supporters enjoyed one of the hottest new restaurants in Summerlin. Meaningful Mondays, is a community giving program at Poppy Den by Chef Angelo Sosa in Tivoli Village, and the Epicurean Charitable Foundation received 20% of the proceeds made from 6 – 10 p.m.! Guests enjoyed a full menu filled with authentic flavors and high quality ingredients served in a neighborhood eatery. Menu highlights include Amma’s Homemade Tomato Soup, The Poppy Burger, Miso Salmon and more. We appreciate the support from Poppy Den and hope you will visit in this incredible restaurant! To make a reservation, please contact Poppy Den at 802-2480.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE - MARCH 1, 2013

We look forward to meeting our newest group of potential students! Please review the document below for requirements and qualification information. The scholarship application can be downloaded and submitted by visiting the "Scholarship" tab above. Also under on tab, is additional information which applicants may find helpful. Please note, that the application must be emailed, dropped off at the office, or postmarked no later than March 1, 2013.

NEW PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN ELECTED

As is done every two years, the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas (ECF) have elected a new President and Chairman. Jason Shkorupa, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Luxor and Excalibur Hotel and Casinos, has been named the new President of the organization. Kelley Jones, founding partner of Trust3 Hospitality and LeLe Hospitality, has been named the new Chairman of the Board.

“I am honored to accept the position as President of Epicurean Charitable Foundation,” said Jason Shkorupa, President of ECF. “I am determined to continue our mission of providing scholarships and mentorships to promising students, as well as bolster the camaraderie among food and beverage professionals in Las Vegas.”

With more than 20 years of restaurant experience both as a chef and as a manager, Shkorupa brings his passion for the culinary industry and philanthropy together through ECF. As the new president, he will continue to flourish and align the hospitality industry’s affiliation with the community through support of the local education system, related organizations, charities and associations for the Las Vegas-based non-profit organization. Shkorupa will also assist in speaking presentations during scholarship season, play an active role in fundraising and oversee the day-to-day operations for the organization.

As Vice President of Food and Beverage at Luxor and Excalibur, Shkorupa’s responsibilities include overseeing each of the properties’ restaurants, employee dining, culinary departments, stewarding, bars, lounges, cocktails, catering, conventions and banquets. Shkorupa graduated from the College of Hotel Administration at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a major in food and beverage management and minor in finance and accounting. Upon graduation, he was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa, Calif., to pursue his passion for culinary arts.

Jones is a charter member of ECF and in his new role as Chairman of the Board, he will work closely with the Executive Committee and Board of Directors to focus on member recruitment and ensure the growth of the organization and impact in the community. Jones will also oversee organizational endeavors and preserve the integrity of ECF.

Jones’ current ventures include the opening of Poppy Den with celebrity chef Angelo Sosa at Tivoli Village in Summerlin and a new restaurant and nightclub concept at Aqua Lotus Hotel in Honolulu. Other projects include XVI and JBird in NYC as managing partner, and a partnership with celebrity chef Geoffrey Zackarian at Tudor House and High Bar, both located on South Beach Miami. Jones opened Todd English Pub in Las Vegas and is also a partner of the Malibu Inn in Malibu Beach, Calif., with Sosa.

OUR HEARTFELT GRATITUDE

Special thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of our 11th annual M.E.N.U.S.! From amazing silent auction items, to incredible restaurant participation, this year's event was one of the best yet. Our honoree Mr. Jim Rogers offered inspiring words and we congratulate him once again for his well deserved recognition. Counting Crows put on an incredible show and we sincerely hope that all who attended had a memorable and wonderful experience. Our sincere thanks goes to of our supporters, especially our premier sponsors: Fiji Water, Johnson Brothers Liquor Company, Southern Wine and Spirits, and Wirtz Beverage Nevada. Please feel free to browse through the pictures from the photo booth. They are available via the following link: http://hdphotobooth.smugmug.com/Corporate-Events/MENUS-2012/25637629_B9Hd9b#!i=2116766366&k=Mbn3pCR
Again, thank you all for your commitment to our organization and all that you did to contribute to the success of M.E.N.U.S. 2012!

2012 IMPERIUM AWARD RECIPIENT

This year it is our honor to celebrate a man who is passionate about education and committed to our community. James E. Rogers is the founder and owner of Intermountain West Communications Company, which owns and operates 11 NBC and FOX affiliate television stations in five Western states. In May 2004, Rogers was appointed by the board of regents to serve as the Nevada System of Higher Education’s ninth Chancellor. The System has approximately 110,000 students and 14,000 employees. An active supporter of education, he and his wife, Beverly, have made substantial financial contributions to various colleges and universities. In 1999 Mr. Rogers was listed as one of the top 11 philanthropists in the Nation by Time Magazine having given or pledged more than $275 million to various colleges and universities. Rogers received a B.S. in accounting and an LL.B. from the University of Arizona and an LL.M. from the University of Southern California. He has served in various voluntary leadership positions with universities and colleges across the country. In 2010 Mr. Rogers was an Executive in Residence at Johns Hopkins Business School and he is one of the first nine elected to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Business Hall of Fame. Please join us in honoring Jim Rogers on September 28th!