Senior Class Events Raise over $62K for Charities and CIA Scholarships

As part of the CIA’s bachelor’s degree program, seniors in the Foodservice Management course develop and execute a special event as their capstone project before graduation. The themed events are fine-dining experiences such as a 1920s Speakeasy, Venetian Masked Ball, or a Mother’s Day brunch. Proceeds are split between charities selected by students and CIA scholarship funds.

These events are a way for students to put into practice their four years of CIA education, including culinary and baking and pastry arts, wines and beverage service, management, world cultures, and hospitality. Students conceive, plan, and execute the event in teams that are completely responsible for coordinating and executing food, service, financing, and marketing. Each section selects one classmate to serve as the event’s general manager.

“Students apply the skills learned throughout their college career, give back to the community, provide funds for future students, and offer the public unique events to attend,” said Dr. Pat Bottiglieri, one of two professors teaching Foodservice Management at the CIA. “Each event is truly a win for all involved and a great way for graduating seniors to cap off their CIA experience.”

During the past year, 12 sections of the course raised more than $62,000 for charities and scholarships. National and local charities that benefited this year were Abilities First, American Heart Association, Anderson Center for Autism, Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, Fisher House Foundation, Grace Smith House, Habitat for Humanity, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Miles of Hope, and Ramapo for Children.

The next CIA bachelor’s degree program charity dining events are online at the CIA’s restaurant website.