Atlantic Cape’s 40th Annual Restaurant Gala Set to Showcase the Best Local Restaurants and More; Last Call for Tickets, Sponsorships

MAYS LANDING — The 40th Annual Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala is swiftly approaching and dozens of local restaurants, wineries, bakeries and distilleries are making their final preparations for the Thursday, March 9 Ruby Gala to be held at the Harrah’s Atlantic City Waterfront Conference Center on the second floor in the Avalon Ballroom from 6-9:30 p.m.

This year the gala will recognize the many individuals and sponsors who have supported this annual event and played a vital role in making it a resounding success over the past 40 years. Sustaining Committee Members Ed Blake, Joseph Massaglia, Johnny “Scannicchio” Varalli and the memory of James L. Cooper, Esq. will be celebrated. Meanwhile, Dock’s Oyster House, Renault Winery and Resort, Bally’s Atlantic City, Tropicana Atlantic City, Resorts Casino Hotel, Caesars Atlantic City, Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and The Historic Smithville Inn will be honored for their 40 years of continuous commitment to the Gala and the students of the Academy of Culinary Arts program.

“We are excited to be celebrating 40 years of the Restaurant Gala with our guests once again as we highlight many of the area's finest restaurants, delicious desserts from many acclaimed award-winning pastry chefs, and exceptional wines and spirits,” said Jean McAlister, Executive Director of the Atlantic Cape Foundation.

If you have not yet purchased tickets to the Gala, now is the time to grab yours today before they are sold out. Tickets are available individually for $250 and in tables of 10 for $2,300 (a $200 savings). Various levels of sponsorships and advertising opportunities are still available, as well. Raffle tickets may be purchased for $100 each online and during the Gala. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the raffle go towards emergency funds, and Atlantic Cape faculty and student initiatives, while three lucky winners will share the other 50%. Winners need not be present to win.

The formal attire evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a lavish, one-hour cocktail reception complete with hors d’oeuvres prepared by Atlantic Cape’s Academy of Culinary Arts students and the highly-anticipated return of the Atlantic City Beach Patrol boat featuring an array of fresh seafood.

A formal dinner will follow at 7 p.m. in the Avalon ballroom with signature dishes and desserts presented by some of the area’s finest establishments and sample beverages from popular local wineries, breweries and distilleries. Live entertainment will be provided by “Plaid Salmon,” while an open bar, photo booth and 50/50 raffle will add to the evening’s lively festivities.

Since its inception in 1984, the Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala has raised more than $3.8 million for scholarships for students attending the Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management program, an emergency fund, special projects and Atlantic Cape Foundation operations. In 2022, $240,775 was raised to provide much-needed funds for culinary students and emergency relief.

Visit atlanticcape.edu/gala to purchase tickets, sponsorship and advertising opportunities, and raffle tickets, and to view this year’s sponsors, participating restaurants, and dessert and beverage providers. For more information on this year’s Ruby Restaurant Gala, please contact Kristin Jackson at kjackson@atlanticcape.edu or at (609) 463-3621.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape is a comprehensive two-year community college serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. The college offers over 40 career, transfer and workforce development programs to more than 8,000 students annually at three campuses in New Jersey: Atlantic City, Cape May Court House and Mays Landing.