Ted J. Balestreri Leadership Classic
The 18th Annual Ted J. Balestreri Leadership Classic is March 10-13, 2010 in Pebble Beach. Hosted by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the premier golfing event of the restaurant and foodservice industry is a must-attend for golfing and non-golfing operators and suppliers from all sectors of the industry to enjoy golf, spa and leisure activities, fine cuisine and a live wine and lifestyle auction – all in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The live auction held during the event is hosted by the Monterey Wine Educational Foundation and benefits the NRAEF’s scholarships program, which provides financial support to high school and college students and teachers who are pursuing a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry. Your attendance at the Leadership Classic and the live auction is instrumental in the continued growth and success of our industry’s workforce.
The Leadership Classic provides several networking opportunities for all attendees to enjoy, starting off with a welcome dinner March 11 at the Monterey Peninsula Country Club, complete with high-energy entertainment. The evening of March 12 brings the highlight of the Leadership Classic – the Monterey Wine Educational Foundation dinner and live auction. The semi-formal evening includes Pebble Beach’s finest cuisine and a live auction featuring fine wines, extravagant trips and exciting packages, all benefitting restaurant and foodservice industry education. The winners of the day’s golf scramble tournament will be announced during the dinner. Finally, March 12 concludes the Leadership Classic with the Awards Reception.
For golfers
The Leadership Classic provides three rounds of golf on three of the world’s most respected courses. Golfers will kick-off the event with a practice round at the Monterey Peninsula Shore Course, the future site of the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. After navigating the course, put your stroke to the test with your team during the scramble event at Spyglass Hill Golf Course on March 12. The Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed course puts even the most skilled golfers to the test as it winds through sandy, seaside dunes and majestic pines with elevated greens. Winners in the March 13 individual tournament will have their names engraved on the Ted J. Balestreri Leadership Classic Cup, which resides in the trophy case at the Inn at Spanish Bay.
For non-golfers
Those who prefer leisure activities that don’t involve a club will find an appealing variety of options. While the golfers are busy replacing divots and cleaning sand out of their shoes, you can join fellow attendees for a relaxing horseback ride along the Pacific Ocean, taste wine at local wineries all while marveling at the beautiful Monterey coast line and taking in the crisp sea air. If you prefer a more energizing experience, lace up your tennis shoes, grab a racquet and convene on the tennis courts for a match or two. Whatever activity you choose, prepare yourself for the royal treatment on March 12. Join us that day for a relaxing, rejuvenating and revitalizing experience at the Spa at Pebble Beach. Our day at this 22,000-square-foot, full-service spa and salon will treat your mind, body and senses to an experience like no other.
For more information, go online at NRAEF.org/events/golf. If you are unable to attend but would like to make a contribution to the NRAEF Scholarship Program, click here.