The Grove | Valencia College

Valencia Hospitality Society Hosts Thanksgiving Dinner

Dec

8

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Wednesday, December 8, 2021

A Message from Terri Graham, Interim President, West and Downtown Campuses

In the spirit of giving back and ensuring Valencia College and University of Central Florida students enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal, the Valencia Hospitality Society (VHS) hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for more than 70 students and employees on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, in UnionWest. VHS members volunteered for prep (making some additional side items and desserts) on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, and for the event on Wednesday to help set up the tables and serve the food. Club advisors Rita Maldonado, coordinator, career program advisor and Craig Rapp, professor, hospitality and tourism, also joined the students on Wednesday to help with the setup and coordination of the event.

Besides the culinary feast, there was a non-perishable food drive for community partners and a prize drawing during the event, and participants had the opportunity to write holiday cards to military personnel.

Thanks to student VHS President Danielle Tatham, who came up with the idea for the event, as well as the generous donations of Universal Orlando Resort for the main course and sides, Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate for the desserts, and Levy Restaurants for the plate ware.

Additionally, thank you to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, which offered to donate to the event as well. Because VHS did not need additional donations, the resort, in cooperation with VHS, donated 180 pounds of turkey to the Levy-Hughes Boys & Girls Club, located in the Parramore community.

VHS has volunteered at multiple events in the fall term (Camping World Stadium, Pride Parade, among others) and are looking forward to the spring term.

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