The Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA) hosted its 35th annual Golf Classic at Quidnessett Country Club in North Kingstown on Oct. 7. Approximately 144 golfers supported the day’s festivities, which included a silent auction, raffles, lunch and dinner. The event was sponsored by Hilb Group and Performance Food Group with food from McGrath Clambakes, Gordon Food Service, George’s of Galilee and Sysco. Additional beverage industry sponsors included Mancini Beverage; McLaughlin & Moran, Inc.; Horizon Beverage; RI Beverage Association; Tito’s Handmade Vodka; Narragansett Beer; MS Walker; and Apponaug Brewing Company among many more. Hospitality industry sponsors, beverage suppliers, restaurateurs, bar managers, food-service workers and trade members participated in the fundraising tournament, which benefits both RIHA and the RI Hospitality Education Foundation.
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- All of the RI Hospitality Association (RIHA): Alisha C. Plante, Manager, Hospitality Training and Development; Traci Dufresne, Director, RI Hospitality Education Foundation; Heather Singleton, COO; and Cindy Stepanian, Director of Operations.
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- Tyler Tannock, Business Development, Inertia Resources; Aaron Sells, Inertia Resources; Dan Koppen, FBinsure; and Farouk Rajab, President and CEO, RIHA.
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- Shayla Castello, Brand Ambassador showcasing Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Kevin Hubbard, Merchandiser, Mancini Beverage.
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- A Bloody Mary featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
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- Bianca Prodigio, Brand Ambassador and Tom Joyal, General Manager, Mr. J’s Havana Cigar Lounge.
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- Cindy Stepanian, Director of Operations, RIHA and Tina Tomaselli, Co-founder, T’s Restaurant Group.
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- Jordan Serating-Ware, Director of Rooms and Arnaldo Almonte, Managing Director, The Graduate.
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- All of Twin Oaks: David Hight, Manager/Server; Jay Fitzgerald, Manager; and Mike McMahon, Server.
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- Matt Show, Sales Manager, Sysco; Derek Barber, Sales, Sysco; and Scott Bonier, Restaurant Owner.
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- Robin Dercole; Karen Poulin, VP of Human Relations and Internal Operations, Mancini Beverage; and Lisa Vitullo.
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- Zemo McGinnis, General Manager, Ladder 133 Kitchen + Social; Jarod Cotton, Director of Marketing – Budweiser, McLaughlin & Moran, Inc.; John Huyler, Operations Director, Commercial Solutions; and Damian Santoro, President, Ladder 133 Kitchen + Social and Board Member, RIHA.
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- Guests enjoyed assorted beverages throughout the tournament, including Whalers Blueberry Lemon Hard Seltzer, Tecate, Bud Light and cocktails featuring Baileys Irish Cream and Kahlúa.
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- Narragansett Fresh Catch Citra Session Ale and Whalers Blueberry Lemon Hard Seltzer.
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- Tamara McKenney, Owner, Apponaug Brewing Company.
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- A George’s of Galilee gift basket was among many raffle and event offerings.
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- Angela Zguro, Business Solutions Specialist and Jody Chandler, New England Customer Marketing Manager, Gordon Food Service.
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- Traci Dufresne, Director, RI Hospitality Education Foundation and T.R. McGrath, Owner, McGrath Clambakes.
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- Roberto Montalban, Chef Partner, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.
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- All of Beech Restaurant and Bar except where indicated: Rob Forrest; John Raffenelli; Dave Montoya, Sales, MS Walker of RI; and Kevin Gaudreau, Operating Partner.
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- Kim Raymond, Senior Account Executive and George Senott, Commercial Line Producer, Hilb Group.
Photos by Laura Widness.
