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Special food-wine dinner set for scholarship foundation

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 8:16 GMT by Cleveland.com
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Cleveland’s Culinary Scene Shines for a Good Cause: A Food & Wine Dinner Raises Funds for Scholarships

In a dazzling showcase of local gastronomy, the Cleveland Scholarship Foundation (CSF) hosted a high‑profile Food & Wine Dinner on April 15, 2025, at the historic 21c Museum Hotel. The evening—an elegant affair that blended fine dining, premium wines, and community spirit—aimed to raise money for the foundation’s mission of providing scholarships to deserving students across the Greater Cleveland area.

A Night of Local Talent and Fine Dining

The 21c Museum Hotel, known for its contemporary art installations and rooftop terrace, served as the venue for an evening that felt both upscale and intimately connected to the city’s culinary roots. “We wanted to celebrate the talent that thrives right here in Cleveland while also giving back to the next generation of leaders,” said CSF President Linda Martinez during the opening remarks. The foundation has long partnered with local businesses and chefs, and this event was no exception.

Chef Marcus Li of the award‑winning restaurant East Coast Bistro curated a six‑course tasting menu that highlighted the region’s seasonal produce and artisanal ingredients. The menu opened with a delicate oyster cocktail featuring locally harvested oysters, followed by a pan‑seared scallop dish paired with a citrus beurre blanc. Main courses ranged from a tender pork belly served with caramelized apples to a wild‑foraged mushroom risotto that drew praise from culinary critics. Dessert was a deconstructed lemon tart, finished with a citrus foam that left guests delighted.

“Chef Li’s menu is a love letter to Cleveland’s farms and fisheries,” said restaurant critic Emily Park of the Cleveland Gazette. “It’s a brilliant example of how local food can be elevated to fine‑dining standards.”

A Handful of Handpicked Wines

The event’s wine program was curated by Ohio Wine Collective, a consortium of local vineyards. Attendees enjoyed a curated selection of five wines, ranging from a crisp Riesling from Lake Erie Vineyards to a robust Cabernet Sauvignon from the recently acclaimed Red Ridge Winery. Each wine was paired with the menu’s courses to enhance flavor profiles, and the winery representatives took time to explain the nuances of each varietal.

“Our goal is to showcase how far Ohio’s wine industry has come,” said Sarah Mitchell, director of Ohio Wine Collective. “By featuring local vineyards, we’re celebrating our community and supporting sustainable agriculture.”

Fundraising Success and Community Involvement

The dinner, priced at $120 per ticket, included a silent auction featuring memorabilia from local sports teams, exclusive dining experiences, and a weekend getaway at a luxury lodge in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In addition, donors could make direct contributions during the event or online through the foundation’s dedicated fundraising page.

CSF’s goal was to raise $75,000, a target that the organization reached by the close of the event. “This is a historic moment for the Cleveland Scholarship Foundation,” Martinez noted. “The funds raised tonight will provide scholarships to ten students who will be attending local colleges and universities next fall.”

The success of the evening is seen as a significant milestone for CSF, which has been operating for over a decade, providing scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 annually. The foundation’s recent expansion into community outreach programs—such as college prep workshops and financial literacy seminars—has further solidified its role as a pillar of educational support in the region.

A Night of Entertainment and Community Spirit

Music was provided by the renowned jazz trio Blue Note Collective, whose soulful tunes filled the space between courses. The trio’s lead pianist, Jordan Lee, performed a set that included jazz standards as well as a tribute to Cleveland’s rich musical heritage. “Music brings people together, and this event was no exception,” said Lee.

The dinner also featured a series of short speeches by local leaders and philanthropists. Former Mayor John H. Adams highlighted the importance of investing in the city’s youth, while philanthropist and philanthropist Mary L. Grant shared her personal journey and commitment to educational causes. “Every student who receives a scholarship from CSF has the potential to change our city for the better,” Grant said.

A Tradition of Giving

The Food & Wine Dinner is part of a broader tradition of fundraising events organized by CSF. Previous years have seen fundraisers ranging from wine tastings to gala balls, each designed to engage the community and raise critical funds. The 2024 dinner at the Cleveland Cultural Garden—where a curated menu was paired with a selection of international wines—brought in $60,000, a modest yet meaningful increase that helped fund scholarships for six students.

“This year, we’ve taken it to the next level,” Martinez explained. “The combination of a high‑profile venue, local culinary stars, and premium wines has created an unforgettable experience that reflects the quality of the scholarship program itself.”

Looking Ahead

The funds raised at the dinner will be allocated over the next two years, providing full‑tuition scholarships for a total of 15 students. CSF also plans to use a portion of the proceeds to expand its mentorship program, pairing scholarship recipients with professionals in their chosen fields.

As Cleveland’s food and wine scene continues to flourish, the Cleveland Scholarship Foundation’s efforts underscore the vital role that community partnerships and philanthropy play in nurturing the city’s future leaders. With the success of the April 15 dinner, CSF has set a new benchmark for fundraising and community engagement—one that promises to benefit students, local businesses, and the broader Cleveland community for years to come.