Napa, CA – The world’s premier culinary college and Chef Thomas Keller recently joined
together to raise more than $500,000 for student scholarships. The Culinary Institute of America’s
first annual Thomas Keller Golf Classic was held June 11 and 12 at the newly
opened CIA
at Copia and Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa.
Chef Thomas Keller, chef/proprietor of the internationally
renowned French Laundry and Per Se restaurants, partnered with the CIA for the
college’s first major West Coast fundraising event. “It is my true honor to
partner in this event to benefit for the students of The Culinary Institute of
America,” said Chef Keller, a member of the CIA’s Board of Trustees. “Through
the camaraderie of golf, we are raising funds for student scholarships so they
can learn from the world-class
teachers and chefs of the CIA.”
The event opened with a reception, dinner, and live auction,
accompanied by music from folk and blues singer Maria Muldaur.
Among the auction packages were golfing retreats, getaways, a custom-made suit,
and private dining experiences.
“The generosity of the CIA’s friends allows us to
continually advance our world-class
educational offerings, such as the phenomenal study abroad programs,
unparalleled learning environments, and ever-expanding bachelor’s degree majors,”
said CIA President Tim Ryan. “Scholarships are
the key to bringing these opportunities to life. They help us bring the most
qualified, talented, and passionate students to our campuses. At the end of the
day, that’s what this Golf Classic is all about.”
Included in the festivities was a dedication of the Jackson
Family Wines Amphitheater. Julia Jackson, proprietor of Jackson Family Wines, offered
praise for the college’s mission and her blessing of the amphitheater, complete
with an official ribbon cutting ceremony.
The golf tournament featured a clinic with golf pro Andy
Miller before 25 teams played for trophies in a four-person scramble.
The Golf Classic concluded with a reception at The Grove at
Silverado Resort and Spa with awards and team trophies presented by Dr. Ryan
and Chef Keller. The winning team was from S. Pellegrino. The Thomas Keller
Restaurant Group took second place and BMW of North America was the third place
finisher.
For more information on The Culinary Institute of America’s
giving opportunities, please visit www.ciagiving.org.
Photo Captions and Hi-Res Images:
Photo 1: Twenty-five teams teed off at the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, CA on June
12, 2017 for the first annual Thomas Keller Golf Classic benefiting student
scholarships at The Culinary Institute of America. (Photo credit: Bob McClenahan Photography/CIA)
View hi-res image >
Photo 2: Chef Thomas Keller (right) and CIA President Tim Ryan share a laugh after
finishing a round at the first annual Thomas Keller Golf Classic at the
Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, CA. The event, on June 11 and 12, raised more than $500,000 for student scholarships at
The Culinary Institute of America. (Photo
credit: Bob McClenahan Photography/CIA)
View hi-res image >
Photo 3: Ten-time Major League All-Star and 1974 National League MVP Steve Garvey was
among the celebrities at the CIA’s first Thomas Keller Golf Classic. During the
reception and dinner at The Culinary Institute of America at Copia, Garvey presented an auction lot that included a day
with him at Dodger Stadium. The dinner, auction, and golf tournament on June 11
and 12, 2017, benefited CIA student scholarships. (Photo credit: Bob McClenahan Photography/CIA)
View hi-res image >
Photo 4: An excited winner of an auction lot on the first day of the CIA’s Thomas Keller
Golf Classic at The Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa, CA. The dinner and auction on June 11, 2017 and golf tournament the
following day raised more than $500,000 for CIA student scholarships. (Photo credit: Bob McClenahan Photography/CIA)
View hi-res image >
Media Contact:
Anne Girvin
Assistant Director—Strategic Marketing, Branch Campuses
707-967-2322
Anne.Girvin@culinary.edu
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier
culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and
hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers bachelor’s degree
majors in management, culinary science, and applied food studies; associate
degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts; and executive education
through its Food Business School. The college also offers certificate programs
and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences and consulting
services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry and its
worldwide network of 49,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the
food business. The CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and
Singapore.
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