The Hospitality Charitable Foundation will mark its 25th anniversary with the MENUS 2026 gala at Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa on October 2, honoring alumna Martha Morales and highlighting the impact of its scholarship program
The Hospitality Charitable Foundation will host its annual MENUS (Mentoring and Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students) gala on Friday, October 2, at Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, celebrating 25 years of supporting hospitality students in Southern Nevada. The event, themed “Reflections: 25 Years of Impact,” will bring together alumni, industry leaders, and supporters for an evening focused on mentorship, education, and career development in the hospitality sector.
This year’s gala will honor Martha Morales, one of the foundation’s earliest scholarship recipients. Morales received her HCF scholarship in 2005 and has since built a career with Caesars Entertainment and Boyd Gaming, eventually becoming vice president and general manager of Valley Forge Casino Resort in Pennsylvania. She was also the first HCF scholarship alumna to join the foundation’s board of directors and continues to serve as an honorary board member.
Alumni Return to Support the Next Generation
The 2026 event will highlight the full-circle impact of the foundation’s work, with many former scholarship recipients returning as sponsors, business owners, volunteers, and board members. According to HCF president Michael Kennedy, the gala will showcase alumni who have advanced in the industry and now give back to support new students. Morales’s career and ongoing involvement exemplify the foundation’s mission to foster long-term success through education and mentorship.
Alumni participating in this year’s gala include Morales; Razelle Antipuesto, who will present her business Sisters Menu; Jaslin Estavillo and Bettina Bautista, whose employer Aristocrat is sponsoring the event; Cami Keenan, leading décor through MGM Resorts Event Productions; Ivette Aguirre of Buzz Event Designers, with team members Diana Loaiza and current scholar Camila Rodriguez-Pineda; HCF board member Vildan Buric; and Daniela Sanchez from the Red Rock Resort catering team.
Event Details and Community Involvement
MENUS 2026 will transform the Red Rock Resort pool area into an immersive dine-around experience, featuring tastings from local restaurants, curated cocktails, premium wine and spirits, and live entertainment. Guests are encouraged to dress in “Glam, Sparkle & Shine” attire inspired by silver, gold, and purple. The full lineup of participating restaurants, chefs, and beverage partners will be announced in the coming weeks.
HCF scholarship recipients will play key roles in event operations, gaining hands-on experience and networking with industry leaders. The foundation’s scholarship program provides full-ride, last-dollar scholarships, executive mentorship, professional development, and industry exposure for students pursuing hospitality careers in Nevada.
Major sponsors for MENUS 2026 include Southern Glazer’s Beverage Co., Breakthru Beverage, Gallo, Johnson Brothers, Sahara Las Vegas, Sysco, Cellar Craft Distributors, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, and MGMRI Event Production, along with other community partners. Proceeds from the event will support HCF’s ongoing mission to provide scholarships and career development opportunities for local students.
How to Attend or Support
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for MENUS 2026 are available at hcflv.org. The event is open to industry professionals, alumni, and community members interested in supporting the next generation of hospitality leaders in Southern Nevada.
