M.E.N.U.S. Gala at Palms Casino Resort
Hospitality Charitable Foundation Announces Honoree, Restaurant Lineup, and Silent Auction for 2025
M.E.N.U.S. Gala at Palms Casino Resort
Proceeds from the Gala, “A Night Within the Stars”
to Support Future Leaders of Hospitality
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 15, 2025) – With the M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring and Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students) gala just weeks away on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at Palms Casino Resort, the Hospitality Charitable Foundation (HCF) has revealed exciting new details: this year’s honoree, the participating restaurants, and the opening of the gala’s renowned silent auction.
This year, HCF will recognize the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (SMGHA), a governmental instrumentality of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. Established as a strategic extension of the Tribe’s vision, SMGHA was created to invest in, own, and operate premier gaming and hospitality enterprises beyond the San Manuel Reservation. Among its first ventures is Palms Casino Resort, acquired by SMGHA in 2021 and reopened on April 27, 2022, as the first Las Vegas casino resort wholly owned and operated by a Native American tribe. SMGHA continues to shape the future of Tribal gaming and hospitality with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.
“We are deeply honored to recognize the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority at this year’s M.E.N.U.S. gala,” said Michael Kennedy, president of the Hospitality Charitable Foundation and Director of Food Operations at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa. “Their leadership and commitment to building meaningful opportunities in gaming and hospitality reflect the very mission of our organization. By honoring SMGHA, we celebrate not only their impact on our industry, but also the values of cultural preservation, economic growth, and mentorship that guide both of our institutions.”
Guests will indulge in gourmet tastings from an exceptional lineup of culinary destinations from across the city, including Washing Potato, The Capital Grille, Chyna Club, Netflix Bites, Chica, Crossroads, Delmonico Steakhouse, Kusa Nori, Sambalatte, Primarily Prime Rib, Top of Binion’s Steakhouse, Hugo’s Cellar, Whiskey Licker Up Saloon, Zenshin, Lucini, Send Noodles, Scotch 80 Prime, Turkey & The Wolf, Diner Ross, LPM Restaurant & Bar, STK, Sonoma Cellar, Hakkasan, Beauty & Essex and others.
The much-anticipated silent auction is now open at hcflv.org, offering packages that include luxury goods, fine dining experiences, and dream vacations. Guests do not need to be present at the event to bid or win.
Set against the backdrop of KAOS and Palms’ expansive pool area, M.E.N.U.S. 2025 will deliver its signature indoor-outdoor gala experience with the theme “A Night Within the Stars.” Guests are encouraged to dress “like the stars they are,” in attire inspired by the night sky; from shimmering silvers and deep navy hues to violets and aurora-borealis–inspired tones.
In addition to gourmet tastings and premium beverages, the evening will feature live, ambient entertainment by the Bella Electric Strings, providing the perfect backdrop for guests to socialize, mix, mingle, and enjoy tastings from the numerous participating restaurants and bars.
Sponsors of the event include: Palms Casino Resort, SAHARA Las Vegas; Southern Glazer’s Beverage Company; Breakthru Beverage; Gallo; Johnson Brothers of Nevada; Sysco; MGM Resorts International; and Cellar Craft Distributors—among dozens of other valued community partners.
As always, students from HCF’s scholarship program will take on key event-day responsibilities, gaining valuable real-world training while connecting directly with leaders from Las Vegas’ world-renowned hospitality industry. Proceeds from the gala benefit the Foundation’s mission to provide scholarships, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities to UNLV students pursuing careers in hospitality.
Tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.hcflv.org.
About the Hospitality Charitable Foundation (HCF):
The Hospitality Charitable Foundation is dedicated to preparing and supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals through scholarships, mentorships, and industry-led training opportunities. M.E.N.U.S. is the organization’s signature annual fundraiser. HCF can be found on Instagram at @hcf_lv, on Facebook at @HCFLV and on its website at hcflv.org.
About the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority:
The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (SMGHA) is a governmental instrumentality of Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation created for the purpose of independently carrying out the investment in, and ownership and management of, gaming and hospitality businesses outside of the San Manuel Reservation.
SMGHA owns Palms Casino Resort, which features two distinct towers with 766 hotel rooms and suites, a diverse mix of bars, restaurants, live entertainment venues and immersive lifestyle experiences across a 95,000-square-foot reimagined casino. Palms is located just west of the center of the Las Vegas Strip off I-15 on Flamingo Road.