On Sunday, May 4, 2008, the university will host the inaugural Southern California Tasting & Auction — an adventure of tastes, sights, and sounds. Nearly 800 discerning university friends and alumni will enjoy this unforgettable, open-air gathering to take place in the picturesque setting of the W.K. Kellogg Commemorative Rose Garden and the Aratani Japanese Garden. Guests will mingle with friends, savor fabulous wines and enticing cuisine samples from some of Southern California’s most popular restaurants, as well as enjoy lively musical entertainment. Guests will enjoy lively bidding at the silent and live auctions for opportunities to win great wines, desirable dining and travel experiences, as well as unique Cal Poly Pomona packages.

 

BENEFIT

This university-sponsored fundraiser will engage friends of Cal Poly Pomona to experience fabulous wines and foods in the most beautiful setting on campus, while also supporting the university. Proceeds will benefit Cal Poly Pomona and its 21,000 students with scholarships and academic enrichment opportunities. The event will also highlight the university’s invaluable impact and contributions to the region.

 

TASTING

The Collins School of Hospitality Management will play a lead role in the tasting segment of the event by arranging for various restaurants and wineries from Southern California to present a sampling from their savory menus. In addition, the school will host a VIP reception honoring the legacy of Carl Karcher with the prestigious Robert Mondavi Wine and Food Award for 2008. This annual award honors those with a passionate, lifelong commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry. The Collins School of Hospitality Management is one of the top-ranked hospitality management programs in North America and is the oldest and largest 4-year hospitality program in California.

 

AUCTION

Guests will enjoy lively bidding at the silent and live auctions for opportunities to win great wines, desirable dining and travel experiences, as well as unique Cal Poly Pomona packages.

 

EVENT CO-CHAIRS

  • James Collins, Chairman Emeritus of Sizzler International, now Worldwide Restaurant Concepts, Inc., has enjoyed an illustrious food service industry career which began in 1952. 
  • Mickey Segal, Managing Partner of Nigro Karlin Segal & Feinstein LLP of Los Angeles, Certified Public Accountants specializing in the representation of entertainments,sports and highest worth individuals.

LEGACY HONOREE
A VIP reception honoring the life and legacy of Carl Karcher (Founder Carl’s Jr.) will take place at The Collins School of Hospitality Management, where Mr. Karcher will be posthumously awarded the 2008 Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Award. The Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Award honors individuals whose vision and leadership have advanced the American wine and food industry.

No one under 21 years of age admitted