BCA Black History Month Gala and Awards Dinner To Take Place in New York on February 25th

Black Culinary Alliance Hosts is annual Black History Month Gala and Awards Dinner at New York's Mariott Marquis Hotel

New York (PRWEB) February 19, 2005 -- BCA Black History Month Gala & Awards Dinner Feb. 25, 2005 @ NY Marriott Marquis

African-American, Latino & Caribbean chefs, culinary artists and restaurateurs will meet in New York for what is considered the Oscars of the food and hospitality industry. It's the 12th Annual BCA Cultural Awareness Salute that takes place Friday, Feb. 25th at The New York Marriott Marquis Hotel. One of the finest meals available on this earth will be served at this black-tie gala.    The BCA, a national, non-profit mentoring organization assists in promoting diversity in these valuable industries. Its a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the passion and professionalism of the participants. We hope that you will spread the word about this very special Black History Month event.

A multi-course meal created by over ten of the finest culinary schools will astound supporters and sponsors of the culinary arts and hospitality field at the Twelfth Annual BCA Cultural Awareness Salute, Friday, Feb. 25th at 7:00 p.m., at The New York Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway (at 45th Street), New York City. Hosted by Compass Group North America. Both the heritage of people of color in the hospitality profession and the future of the industry will be showcased with an awards ceremony, and live entertainment. The theme of this years black-tie gala is "Past, Present, and Future Reunion." The organization will highlight the changes it has made in the lives of its members in addition to the changes that have been made within the industry. Tickets for the black-tie event begin at $200.00 and can be purchased online at www.thebca.net or by calling (800) 308-8188/locally (646) 548-2949. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

A diverse organization with over 500 members, the BCA strives to educate the public about its mission and message. A part of the mission of the BCA focuses on spreading the message to high-school students of color about endless career opportunities in the culinary and hospitality fields. "People of color commonly think that fast food establishments, which pay minimum wage, are their only options," states Alex Askew, President of the BCA. A student that has completed a degree program at a culinary institution will enter the job market earning $26,000 to $34,000 per year; additionally there are endless career options in the culinary and hospitality fields in the kitchen, front of the house, operations, and more.

The gala highlights will include a multi-course dinner prepared by over one-hundred students from some of the nation?s top-tier culinary schools and an award ceremony celebrating the achievements of professionals in the Culinary and Hospitality industries. "The synergy will be incredible," noted member and VP of member services Duane Maxwell. "Where else will you find schools like Johnson and Wales and the CIA paired with other top level schools such as Hudson County, ICE, Baltimore International, and Connecticut Culinary Institute coupled with networking opportunities with the Industry culinary and hospitality professionals." In addition, the event will highlight BCA's accomplishments for the last decade. "This year's event again supersedes all others we have done because we are showcasing the talent of the very same students whose lives we are changing; we are making a difference and we want to share this experience with our sponsors, supporters and members," said Askew.

Honorees include:
Jefferson Evans Award- Chef Wilo Benet, Museum Restaurant Group in Puerto Rico www.wilobenet.com
James Lewis Award - Michael Lemon, Corporate Executive Chef, Flik International Corp.
Heritage Award - Amy S. Hilliard, President & CEO, The ComfortCake Company of Chicago www.comfortcake.com
Lifetime Ambassador Award - Late Chef Frank Lopez, former Executive Chef & Instructor, Culinary Institute of America - CIA

The BCA is a national, not-for-profit organization devoted to the enhancement of professional and educational opportunities for people of color within the foodservice and hospitality industry; to receive more information contact: (800) 308-8188 or (646) 548-2949. You can also contact the BCA in writing at: 55 West 116th Street Suite 234, New York, NY 10026. Student member rate individual tickets are $95. You must be a current member in good standing to receive these special rates.

Margot Jordan (646) 226-6652

Interviews & demonstrations available

Source: BCA
Contact: Ieda Fuller Addison
(646) 548-2949
E-mail: iaddison@blackculinarians.com

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