Epicurean Charitable Foundation (ECF) is comprised of more than 20 top food and beverage and hospitality executives who are dedicated to enriching the lives of deserving local students passionate about a career in hospitality or culinary arts. Through scholarships and mentorship opportunities, these gifted, but often financially underprivileged, students are provided with the means to pursue their dreams and become future leaders of the Las Vegas hospitality industry.
The Foundation’s primary charitable endeavor is the establishment of annual scholarship awards for Clark County high school students seeking careers in the culinary and hospitality industries. ECF selects its scholarship recipients based on academic ability, extracurricular achievements, personal background and financial need.
ECF awards numerous academic scholarships annually to Clark County high school graduates. Scholarship recipients receive financial support of up to $48,000 that goes toward tuition, books and other fees. Students also benefit from the guidance and support of the Future Leaders of Hospitality Program, which pairs a student and board member together for the duration of the student’s education. The mentor provides guidance, support and assistance with job and internship placement upon graduation.
To support the scholarship program, ECF holds an annual gala that has quickly become one of the most popular events on the Las Vegas social calendar. M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring and Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students) is hosted by one of the city’s world-class resorts and features dining stations offering samples from some of the finest restaurants in town and live entertainment. Previous performers at M.E.N.U.S. include Train, Counting Crows, Lifehouse, Al Green, Sarah Bareilles, Stevie Nicks, the Jabbawockeez and Chicago.