The Hospitality Charitable Foundation is comprised of more than 20 of Southern Nevada’s leading food, beverage and hospitality executives. HCF’s approach provides financial aid for education while offering opportunity, mentorship and fostering long-term community impact.
At the heart of the organization’s work is its flagship charitable initiative — annual academic scholarships awarded to seniors in Clark County high schools preparing to pursue careers in culinary arts or hospitality. Valued at up to $48,000, these scholarships not only provide financial aid but also unlock higher education by covering tuition, books, supplies and essential fees that often stand between deserving students and their dreams, inspiring hope and a brighter future.
STUDENTS STEPPING INTO THEIR FUTURE
Among this year’s recipients is Jerusalem Zeledon, now a freshman at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Learning she had been selected, she recalled a moment of disbelief quickly replaced by gratitude.
“At first, a part of me didn’t really believe it,” she said. “The money does help a lot, but really, it’s been the community that I’ve been made a part of. Having that support system and mentorship has helped me because I feel like I already have one foot in the door of the hospitality industry.”
Zeledon, who grew up in Las Vegas, said the city’s iconic Strip and resort culture have always inspired her. “I always just loved seeing the lights or walking through the casinos and hotels,” she added.
Lex Slessati is another high school student to receive an HCF scholarship, pursuing a degree in restaurant management. “I was very surprised. I had gone through so many different interviews. I was asked to come in. All the board members were there, and they asked me who I would call if I got the scholarship. I said I’d call my mom, and they said ‘call her.’”
MENTORSHIP AT THE CORE OF THE MISSION
Each scholarship recipient participates in the Future Leaders of Hospitality Program, which pairs students with a dedicated HCF board member mentor throughout their academic journey. Mentors provide guidance, professional development, industry networking and valuable support in securing internships and future employment.
The long-term goal is clear: to build a strong, skilled workforce prepared to lead the next era of Las Vegas hospitality.
M.E.N.U.S. GALA: FUNDRAISING THROUGH CELEBRATION
HCF’s annual gala, M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring and Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students) is the major fundraiser for the scholarships and mentorship initiatives. This annual event brings together industry leaders, community partners and culinary enthusiasts for an evening of world-class dining and entertainment.
Held at rotating resort venues, the gala features tasting stations from top Las Vegas restaurants, live performances and opportunities to contribute directly to student success. Scholarship recipients also take part in producing the event, gaining invaluable behind-the-scenes experience.
“M.E.N.U.S. was a really great experience for me. I’d never been a part of an event that big before. Getting to work behind the scenes, I think the best part for me was seeing it all put together and actually like getting to walk through the event and be able to say, I set this up or I helped with this,” Zeledon said.
“My favorite part about being involved with the M.E.N.U.S. Gala this year was just getting to meet all the people. I got to see different sides of all the students and board members in good ways,” Slessati said.
“It’s always exciting when you’re at a new venue and you’re exploring what the opportunities are through the whole planning process. We worked with the partners and the people who really come together to make the evening really phenomenal year after year,” said Marti Winer, senior vice president and regional general manager for Hosts Global, and serves on the board for HCF. Winer serves as Slessati’s mentor through the Future Leaders of Hospitality Program.
“This year was exceptionally special for me, personally, since it is Lex’s (Slessati) first year at UNLV, first event to attend and I got to see it through Lex’s eyes as we walked around and met people, so that was really exciting, too.”
This year’s gala, themed “Night Within the Stars,” was held at The Palms. Originally planned as an indoor/outdoor event, torrential rain forced a last-minute pivot indoors — a real-time lesson in hospitality operations.
“This year had some interesting things that made it special, making it a brilliant learning opportunity for our students since we were faced with some unanticipated challenges like the weather. People had to pivot, they came together, and they did smart things to address issues as they arose, while really preserving the fact that it was an amazing event that served our community. It was an incredible learning experience for everybody behind the scenes,” Winer said. “I’m incredibly proud of how our students, including Lex, navigated the M.E.N.U.S. event.”
BUILDING THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, HCF remains committed to cultivating the young talent who will shape its future. By providing financial access, mentorship and hands-on experience, the foundation is not only creating pathways for students to pursue meaningful careers, but also strengthening the industry that drives Nevada’s economy and enriching the local community.
For more information, visit hcflv.org.
