Gala at The Hotel at Auburn University Raises $200,000 for the University
AUBURN, AL - April 1, 2011 - On March 31, 2011 the hospitality industry's finest gathered at The Hotel at Auburn University for the annual Auburn University Hospitality Gala, which brought some of the country's and world's top chefs and winemakers to Auburn. The Hospitality Gala is a fundraiser organized solely by the students of Auburn University's Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRMT) Program in partnership with executives of The West Paces Hotel Group. This year's event raised $200,000 for the program. The Gala also served as a tribute to Horst Schulze, Chairman and CEO of The West Paces Hotel Group, for his contribution to the hospitality industry and the HRMT Program.
Chefs Odette Fada, former executive chef of San Domenico NYC; Michael Schwartz, chef/owner of Michael's Genuine Food & Drink in Miami; and Jean-Pierre Dubray, executive chef of Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach, provided cooking demonstrations during the Gala's reception. Owner Emmanuel Kemiji, Miura Vineyards; President of the Guild of Master Sommeliers Frederick Dame, representing Chateau St. Jean; and Clovis Taittinger, Champagne Taittinger were on-hand during the reception to provide samples of their celebrated wines and champagnes and to answer questions about the winemaking process.
Centrally located near the shops and restaurants of downtown Auburn, AL, The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center is just a short walk from the excitement of Auburn University and a diverse array of cultural and entertainment attractions. Whether in town for the big game, a special party, or a productive business meeting, the hotel's 236 newly renovated guestrooms and suites offer true Southern hospitality in an ideal setting. For a true taste of Italy, visit Ariccia Trattoria & Bar, located inside the hotel. An open kitchen and outdoor terrace seating add character to this restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, Sunday Brunch, and offers take-out service. Ariccia features an espresso bar and unique wine list, and has a private dining room for special events. Located in Ariccia Trattoria & Bar, Piccolo is Auburn's only true lounge experience for specialty cocktails and a large variety of appetizers and desserts. The menu features a variety of small plates perfect for sharing, refreshing cocktails, and piccolo bottles of champagne. Live jazz performances take place on Fridays and Saturdays (except on home football game weekends). The property is managed by the Atlanta-based West Paces Hotel Group. For additional information or reservations, please call (800) 228-2876 or visit www.auhcc.com.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
