Posted 9/15/26 at 11:55 a.m. | Updated 10/1/26 at 9 a.m.

More: Hospitality Charitable Foundation Announces MENUS 2026, Honors Industry Leader

The Hospitality Charitable Foundation has announced the restaurant lineup and opening of the silent auction for its annual Mentoring and Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students gala on Friday, Oct. 2. Themed “Reflections: 25 Years of Impact,” this year’s M.E.N.U.S. will commemorate HCF’s 25th anniversary while raising funds to support the next generation of hospitality professionals.

Set against the backdrop of the pool at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Summerlin, M.E.N.U.S. will feature a dine-around experience with tastings from more than 25 restaurants and 25 bars from across the Las Vegas Valley, along with premium wine and spirits, curated cocktails and live entertainment.

Participating restaurants include L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Morimoto at MGM Grand; Kusa Nori and Stubborn Seed at Resorts World Las Vegas; Cantina Contramar at Fontainebleau Las Vegas; Chica and Fogo de Chão at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas; and T-Bones Chophouse, Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar and Oyster Bar at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa.

Also: Nicco’s at Durango Casino & Resort; STK Steakhouse at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas; Maroon by Kwame Onwuachi at Sahara Las Vegas; Tim Ho Wan at Palms Casino Resort; Gallagher’s Steakhouse at New York-New York Hotel & Casino; Don Vito’s and Zenshin at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa; The Capital Grille at Fashion Show Las Vegas; and ai Pazzi at The Resort at Summerlin.

Additional restaurants include Delmonico Steakhouse; Chicago Brewing Company; Hugo’s Cellar and Top of Binion’s Steakhouse; Whiskey Licker Up Saloon; William B’s Steakhouse; Revolution Bar & Grill at Rio Hotel & Casino; Donutique; and Sisters Menu, owned by HCF alumna Razelle Antipuesto.

“M.E.N.U.S. has always been an opportunity for our hospitality community to come together, enjoy an incredible night and make a meaningful difference for the students who will become the future of our industry,” said Michael Kennedy, President of the Hospitality Charitable Foundation and Director of Food Operations at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa.

“As we celebrate HCF’s 25th anniversary, we’re especially grateful to the restaurants, bars and sponsors who continue to show up for our students year after year. The support generated through this event allows us to keep creating opportunities for the next generation, not just for the next 25 years, but well beyond.”

The M.E.N.U.S. silent auction is now open. Highlights include a Tao dinner and nightlife package; a Kendall-Jackson wine-tasting experience; a golf getaway at CasaBlanca Resort & Casino; a Palms Fantasy Suite experience; a South Point staycation; Vegas Golden Knights suite tickets; and Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers tickets.

Also: Grand Hyatt San Francisco, The Adolphus in Dallas and Fiesta Americana in Mexico stays and more. Supporters can also make a direct impact on HCF scholars through designated giving opportunities that fund specific student needs, including textbooks and the cost of college courses.

“Every ticket purchased, auction item bid on and contribution made through M.E.N.U.S. directly supports our ability to invest in these students and their futures,” said Hospitality Charitable Foundation Executive Director Melissa Arias.

“Celebrating 25 years is an incredible milestone, but what excites us most is looking ahead at how many more students we can reach. Whether someone joins us for the evening or directly funds a student’s textbooks or college course, they’re helping create opportunities that can change the trajectory of a student’s life.”

This year’s gala will honor Martha Morales, one of HCF’s earliest scholarship recipients whose career embodies the foundation’s mission. Awarded an HCF scholarship in 2005, Morales went on to build a career with Caesars Entertainment and Boyd Gaming before becoming vice president and general manager of Valley Forge Casino Resort in Pennsylvania. She was the first HCF scholarship alumnus to join the foundation’s board of directors and remains an honorary board member.

Guests are encouraged to embrace the evening’s “Glam, Sparkle & Shine” attire theme with looks inspired by silver, gold and purple. HCF scholarship recipients will also play an integral role in the gala, assisting with key event-day responsibilities while gaining real-world experience and connecting with leaders from across Southern Nevada’s hospitality industry.

Sponsors include Southern Glazer’s Beverage Company, Breakthru Beverage, Gallo, Johnson Brothers, Sahara Las Vegas, Sysco, Cellar Craft Distributors, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International and MGMRI Event Production, among many other valued community sponsors.

Proceeds from M.E.N.U.S. directly support HCF’s mission of providing scholarships, mentorship and hands-on career development opportunities for students pursuing hospitality careers. Bidding for the silent auction is open and will continue through the M.E.N.U.S. gala. Tickets, silent auction bidding and sponsorship information are available at HCFLV.org.

About Hospitality Charitable Foundation

The Hospitality Charitable Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to preparing and supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals through scholarships, mentorships and industry-led training opportunities. Now celebrating 25 years of impact, HCF has invested more than $2.5 million in full-ride scholarships for Clark County students since 2004.

HCF’s support model has led to an 81% college graduation rate among its scholars, exceeding the local average, with 77% of graduates continuing into careers within the hospitality industry. Through its signature programs and events, including M.E.N.U.S., HCF continues to create pathways for student success while strengthening the future of hospitality in Southern Nevada and beyond.

HCF can be found on Instagram at @hcf_lv, Facebook at @HCFLV and online at HCFLV.org.