| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2/16/2010 |
Contact: Mary Godleski 609-404-4483 mgodleski@unitedwayac.org |
|
UNITED WAY OF ATLANTIC COUNTY TO HOST 7TH ANNUAL AUCTION FOR THE COMMUNITY Atlantic City, N.J., - Culinary Creativity comes alive this year with United Way of Atlantic County’s 7th Annual Auction for the Community, set for Friday, March 19, 2010 at Bally’s Atlantic City. The event, presented by Harrah’s Entertainment, is bubbling with a host of new additions, including a guest chef presentation, a more exclusive live auction and extended silent auction, along with a very special honoree. This year’s event is sure to be one savory sensation! For the first time in event history, it’s a French-Italian fusion of epic proportions! Renowned master chefs Georges Perrier and Chris Scarduzio, partners of the acclaimed Mediterranean Bistro, Mia, will meet on stage for a lively demonstration of their enchanting expertise in fine cuisine. Chef Perrier, originally from Lyon, France is credited with launching the Philadelphia Institution, Le Bec-Fin (a French idiom for “the good taste.”), which he started in 1970. This dining masterpiece has maintained an impressive five-star status and beckons a cult following from neighboring metro areas such as New York and Washington D.C. Chef Chris Scarduzio, a Philly native and savvy restaurateur in his own right, recently debuted the much anticipated Table 31, a sophisticated Italian eatery located in the spectacular new Comcast Center in Center City. Mia, the chefs’ joint venture, opened in 2006 inside Caesars Atlantic City. The swank eatery, flanked by draped Roman columns and a café-styled entrance has received many accolades from both industry experts and local foodies alike. Mia was among those that redefined dining in Atlantic City, contributing to what has ignited a renaissance in fine dining for the East Coast destination. Their presentation will begin around 7:30 pm. Joining the ranks of esteemed Auction honorees, Ms. Alyce Parker, Harrah’s distinguished public relations guru, will be recognized for her exemplary efforts in serving our community. Parker currently serves as the Vice President of Public Affairs for Harrah’s Entertainment, and often spearheads efforts within the casino industry to 'give back to the community’ including Harrah’s Entertainment Reaching Out (H.E.R.O) and the “Wounded Warrior Project”. Past recipients of this award have included former SJ Gas President and CEO Charles Biscieglia, Congressman Frank LoBiondo, and AC Chamber president Joe Kelly. A special presentation will be made during the dinner program honoring Ms. Parker. The live auction kicks off around 8:30 pm when Flyers Hall of Famer Dave “The Hammer” Schultz hits the auction block with a knockout line-up of items. From cruises to overnight stays to gourmet chef’s tables to two autographed guitars signed by music legends, this year’s live auction is sure to have something suited for everyone’s taste and budget. A larger silent auction will also provide the perfect opportunity to peruse for that perfect gift or personal treat. Items will include spa treatments, restaurant gift certificates, original artwork, custom-made jewelry, special getaways, and more. A more comprehensive list of items will be made available in March at www.unitedwayac.org. Tickets to this unique event are priced at $100 per person and include a dinner buffet and cocktails. They are available now by calling 609-404-GIVE or online at www.unitedwayac.org. Proceeds from this event will benefit United Way of Atlantic County. This event is presented by Harrah’s Entertainment, a proud supporter of United Way of Atlantic County. Sponsors include ACUA, Battelle, and Ocean City Home Bank. The Live Auction is sponsored by Shore Memorial Hospital. Special thanks to this year’s media partners, The Current Newspapers and Atlantic Broadcasting Group. Additional partners who have provided invaluable support and resources for the Auction include: JT Sports, Top Shelf Sports Memorabilia, Casino Connection Magazine, and Hayes Mindish Printing. For information on sponsorship opportunities or program book advertising, contact Mary Godleski at 609-404-4483 ext. 14 or mgodleski@unitedwayac.org United Way of Atlantic County is a local, volunteer-driven, charitable organization mobilizing people and resources to meet our community’s most pressing health and human services needs. United Way is dedicated to making a positive impact on the quality of life for Atlantic County residents by supporting dozens of programs that reduce substance abuse and promote mental wellness, provide basic needs and increase self-sufficiency, support community health issues and foster safer homes and neighborhoods. Volunteers closely monitor these programs to ensure effective and efficient use of donor dollars. For more information on United Way of Atlantic County call 609-404-4483 or visit www.unitedwayac.org. If you or someone you know are in need of services dial 211. |