Annual Restaurant Gala

SAVE THE DATE FOR 2026!

Please save the date for the 43rd Annual Restaurant Gala: Groovin' at the Gala! On Thursday, March 12, 2026, we will transform Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City into a dazzling celebration of disco lights, groovy cuisine, and the bold, funky spirit of the 1970's, all while raising critical support for Atlantic Cape students. Since 1984, the Restaurant Gala has generated more than $4.6 million in scholarships for students in our Academy of Culinary Arts (ACA) and Hospitality Management programs as well as raising emergency funds for Atlantic Cape students.

Join us as we celebrate the 2026 Community Honoree, Gary Musich, President and CEO for Visit Atlantic City. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with a one-hour cocktail reception showcasing hors d’oeuvres prepared by our talented ACA students alongside local restaurants. Guests will proceed to the Wildwood Ballroom, where more than 50 of South Jersey’s top dining establishments will serve their signature dishes, desserts, and libations. With live entertainment from the GrooveHeart Band, a chance to win dazzling dining prize packages valued at $1,000 each, a photo booth, a 50/50 raffle, and an open bar, the Restaurant Gala promises to be the party of the year!

More details regarding tickets and sponsorships to follow. Please contact Kristin Jackson at kjackson@atlanticcape.edu or (609) 463-3621 for more information.

42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala Goes Broadway!

With deepest gratitude, the Atlantic Cape Foundation would like thank the supporters of our 42nd Annual Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala! This year's Restaurant Gala Goes Broadway, held on Thursday, March 27, highlighted the excitement, glitz, glamour and prestige of New York City’s world-renowned Broadway as more than 900 guests visited the Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City to help raise over $305,000 for student scholarships and emergency funding, while also honoring deserving members of the community.

This year’s Restaurant Gala recognized the generous philanthropic contributions of Community Honoree, Ocean Casino Resort, and celebrated the tremendous dedication and impact of our Academy of Culinary Arts Honorees, ACA Chef educators Chef Annmarie Chelius ’82, ’84; Chef Ruth LaTorre ’02; Chef Vincent Tedeschi ’99; and Chef Linda Wohlman ’93. Click here to learn more about this year honorees.  

Gala sponsors this year included our Platinum Sponsors Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and Tropicana Atlantic City; Silver Sponsors Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and Love, Tito’s; and Bronze Sponsor Ocean Casino Resort Atlantic City.

The 42nd Annual Restaurant Gala was dedicated in memory of Sandi Harvey, who passed away on December 7, 2024. Sandi retired from Visit Atlantic City as the Vice President of Sales in 2023 and happily served on the Restaurant Gala Committee in retirement. Sandi's love of Atlantic City and her lasting legacy were celebrated by her family, friends, and former colleagues during the event. A scholarship will be funded by Visit Atlantic City in her name.

Learn more about this year's event and view photo galleries from the 42nd Annual Restaurant Gala here.

Since its inception in 1984, the Restaurant Gala has raised over $4.6 million for scholarships for students attending the Academy of Culinary Arts, the student emergency fund, and Foundation operations. We are grateful for every contribution that helps the ACA provide quality educational and training opportunities and ensures the success our students. If you are interested in supporting students attending the Academy of Culinary Arts, please consider making a donation of any size. Each and every contribution is appreciated and has great impact on the ability for our students to pursue their educational goals!