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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 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 .

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)

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)

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 ������������, 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)

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 ������������ 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)

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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