Recently, the Hospitality Management program here at Grasso volunteered at the annual fundraising even for the Riverfront Children's Center.  The Center is a non-profit childcare and Early Learning Center and serves many young children, mostly from low-income families. Each year they have an annual fundraiser to benefit the Tuition Scholarship Program at the Mystic Art Gallery.  Mr. Jones, department head of Hospitality Management, took nine student volunteers to help with this event.

Ms. Susan Bailey, Development Coordinator at the Riverfront Children's Center thanked the students for a fantastic job. She stated, "The team worked so well, both as individuals and in groups, that once assigned to a task they required minimum supervision."  Some of the tasks included setting up and stage over one hundred items available for bidding at the auction, and then assisting with all phases of hospitality during the evening.  They welcomed guests, offered to take coats, distributing auction books and answered questions.  Desserts were served professionally, and they tended to the guests' needs (sometimes before they could voice them). 

"Many guests commented on how impressed they were by the students' professionism.  They made our guests feel welcome and cared for, a great contribution to the success of any event - or business for that matter!" Ms. Bailey praised.  Some of the words used to describe the students were focused, energetic, friendly, polite and confident. "They have a professional approach unrivaled by a large proportion of today's service industries."

Bravo, Hospitality!  Your giving, generous spirit in donating your time and talents to the Riverfront Children's Cent Silent Auction fundraiser was greatly appreciated.