ORLANDO, Florida --  The Grand Tour Gala Charity Fundraiser, produced by the Orlando Chapter of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), has announced that it will present its 2014 Dick Pope Legacy Awards on Nov. 1, 2014 at The Hilton Orlando Resort, International Drive, to Steve Hogan, CEO of Florida Citrus Sports; Adrian Jones, General Manager of Legoland® Florida and VP Merlin Entertainments USA; Richard Kessler, Chairman and CEO of Kessler Hotel Group; and Chef Emeril Lagasse, Celebrity Chef and Host of TV's Emeril's Florida.

         Immortalized on the walls of the Orange County Convention Center, The Dick Pope Legacy Awards honor leaders who strengthen the sustainability of Florida's hospitality and tourism industries, in honor of Dick Pope Sr., who founded Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, Fla. in 1936 as the state's first park-like attraction, revitalizing Florida's tourism industry after World War II.  Pope was considered Florida's greatest promoter.  

        "We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding honorees, who not only excel in their executive roles for their own companies but also provide exemplary leadership in our hospitality industry, in the areas of sporting events, attractions, hotels and culinary experiences," said Dr. Mary Jo Ross CSEP, CPCE, professor at The University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management, who is executive producer of The Grand Tour Gala. 

         Since the inception of the Grand Tour Gala in 2011, more than $180,000 has been distributed in student scholarships and programs.  Proceeds from the annual event provide scholarships benefitting students at the University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation, and the NACE Education Foundation.

         The Grand Tour Gala has become a Who's Who of the Central Florida hospitality and tourism industry.  This year's gala event at the Hilton Orlando Resort will provide guests with a unique London Experience, featuring an entire evening of festivities filled with unique foods, Broadway-style entertainment, a silent auction and concierge-level guest services by NACE at UCF students from the University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

         "NACE is excited to have the UCF students play such an important role in this event, as they are the future of our industry," added Patricia Buchanan, President of the Orlando Chapter of NACE.

         For more information, go to www.grandtourgala.com.  For details on sponsorships and corporate tables, contact Patricia Buchanan at (407) 383-2132 or info@grandtourgala.com.

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         Press contact:  Kathy Hernandez & Associates PR, (407) 381-0428 or Kathy@khapr.com