Source: CAL Poly Pomona

Cal Poly Pomona’s Collins College of Hospitality Management honored the Marriott family at its gala fundraising event, Hospitality Uncorked 2024, which took place on Saturday, March 9, 2024. The event recognized Marriott’s industry-setting global influence and gratitude for Marriott’s philanthropy to the college. The gala welcomed a record number of guests for an evening of celebration, networking, and fundraising. Proceeds will support scholarships, professional development, and programming at California’s largest hospitality school.

Fittingly hosted at Marriott International’s West Coast flagship J.W. Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, the event had a piquant of celebrity as third- and fourth-generation Marriott family members accepted the 2024 Robert Mondavi Wine and Food Award: Deborah Marriott Harrison, Marriott International’s Global Cultural Ambassador Emeritus; and her sons Christopher Harrison, managing partner at Dauntless Capital Partners, and Matthew Harrison, general manager of Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection.

A crowd of nearly 800 guests gathered for an evening of live entertainment, libations, and ovations — a who’s who of the hospitality industry, gourmands and gastronomes, education leaders, and elected officials, including representatives from Los Angeles County.

“We are so grateful to our industry partners, alumni, and friends. This spectacular event is created and driven by the SUPER volunteer power of the Collins College Board of Advisors,” said Margie Ferree Jones, Dean, and James A. Collins Distinguished Chair at Cal Poly Pomona’s Collins College of Hospitality Management. “Hospitality Uncorked is a beacon on how teamwork and shared purpose can help students who dream of success achieve it.”

Former Mondavi Award recipients include Julia Child, renowned cookbook author and television celebrity; Alan Fuerstman, Founder and CEO of Montage Hotels & Resorts; Robert (Bob) Olson, Founder & CEO of R.D. Olson Development; and Caroline Beteta, President & CEO of Visit California.

A longtime patron of The Collins College of Hospitality Management, Marriott has been engaged in many of the college’s academic programming and operational milestones. It actively recruits students and alumni and provides financial contributions to support student services. Additionally, its executives contribute industry expertise and guidance as members of the college’s Board of Advisors. In 2010, the Marriott Foundation gifted money to expand the college’s academic facilities along with matching funds from Carol and James A. Collins. The combined donations funded the construction of the Marriott Learning Center with state-of-the-art classrooms, a student lounge and study area, and faculty offices.

Hospitality Uncorked is organized by The Collins College of Hospitality Management’s Board of Advisors, including Michele Gendreau, Chair of Hospitality Uncorked & Disneyland Resort Executive; Bridget Bilinski, Chair, Collins College Board of Advisors & Retired Marriott Executive; Pam Jones, Board of Advisors’ Student Success Committee Chair & Retired Marriott Executive; and Javier Cano, Marriott Area GM for Los Angeles.

Visit hospitalityuncorked.com for details and event highlights.