The Hospitality Gala

06/17/2025

Happy National Mascot Day to our favorite tiger, 🧡 War Eagle!! 🎉

05/08/2025

04/24/2025

Meet Operations Team 3 for The Hospitality Gala!✨

We’ve been deep in the details to make sure every element of the 2025 Hospitality Gala comes together flawlessly.

From developing event layouts and coordinating vendor logistics to final walkthroughs, our team has handled the critical behind-the-scenes work that keeps the event running smoothly.

It’s been months of preparation, communication, and precision — and we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished.

We can’t wait for you to experience it all!

04/24/2025

💐We’re honored to feature Sheryl Perdue as the floral designer for this year’s Hospitality Gala!

An Auburn alumna (‘87, College of Human Sciences), Sheryl’s journey began in interior design, but her true artistry blossomed in the world of floral design. Now based in Greenville, AL, she brings decades of experience and a refined eye for beauty to every arrangement she creates. 🌸

Specializing in weddings and special events, Sheryl is known for her organic, classic floral style, often incorporating foraged elements inspired by nature’s own design. Her work tells a story—elegant, intentional, and rooted in Southern charm. 🌿

We can’t wait for you to see the magic she’s bringing to the Gala!

04/24/2025

👩‍🍳 Meet two talented student chefs of Auburn University’s Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, featured at this year’s Hospitality Gala!

✨ Sophie Cheffy — Born and raised in Auburn, Sophie turned a childhood baking hobby into a thriving cottage bakery. What started as a 7th-grade Instagram is now Sophie Cheffy, a go-to for wedding cakes and desserts across the community. She’s a junior majoring in Hospitality Management with a focus in Culinary Science—and her creativity is as sweet as her confections! 🍰

✨ Mary Flavin — A Houston native and graduating senior, Mary has trained with some of the best in the business—from Blackberry Farms to the Augusta National. With hands-on experience and a deep love for the kitchen, she’s ready to make her mark in the culinary world.

Together, these students represent the future of hospitality—where passion, precision, and purpose come to the table. 🥂

04/24/2025

Meet Auction Team 2 for The Hospitality Gala!✨

We’ve been hard at work planning and organizing the 2025 Hospitality Gala’s, and we couldn’t be more excited for you to see it all come together! From securing incredible auction items to making sure every detail is perfect, we’re putting our hearts into creating a seamless and unforgettable experience for everyone.

It’s been amazing to see all the hard work and creativity we’ve poured into this event come to life, and we can’t wait for tonight.

04/24/2025

🍇 Meet Silvia & Benedetto Baracchi, the dynamic mother-son duo behind the renowned BARACCHI Winery, featured at this year’s Horst Schulze Hospitality Gala!

Nestled on the hills adjacent to Cortona, overlooking the breathtaking Valdichiana, their winery is the heart of Tuscan hospitality.

From the crisp Sangiovese Brut Rosé to the bold Ardito Super Tuscan, Smeriglio Sangiovese Doc Cortona, and Astore Toscana IGT, every bottle embodies their passion for their land and heritage. 🍷

Silvia’s deep love for Cortona has shaped a winery that perfectly blends fine wine with the art of hospitality, dining, and wellness.

Guests of Relais Il Falconiere are invited to explore the winery, savoring exquisite wines paired with authentic Tuscan specialties for an unforgettable experience. 🇮🇹✨

Cheers to Silvia and Benedetto, who continue to share their passion with the world, one glass at a time! 🥂

04/24/2025

Meet Marketing Team 1 for the Hospitality Gala!✨

We’ve been behind the scenes bringing the look and feel of the 2025 Hospitality Gala to life — and we’re so excited for you to see it all come together!

From designing social media content to helping develop the Gala’s theme, we’ve poured our creativity and passion into every detail.

This experience has been an incredible opportunity to apply what we’ve learned and showcase our love for hospitality in the most creative way possible. We can’t wait for tonight! 🥂

04/24/2025

🍷 Meet Travis Todd, co-founder and winemaker at de la boue and representative at this year’s Hospitality Gala!

After a life-changing trip to Oregon’s Pinot Camp, Travis left the Yellowstone Club to follow his passion—crafting wines that honor the land. 🌱

Founded in 2019 with just 150 cases, de la boue (meaning “of the dirt”) now produces 2,500 cases of small-batch, single-vineyard wines that reflect Oregon’s terroir—pure, personal, and full of purpose.

With no outside funding, Travis and his co-founder, Chris Andrew, built de la boue from the ground up, believing great wine should inspire one more hour of stories, connection, and shared meals. 🥂

04/24/2025

Meet Auction Team 3 for The Hospitality Gala!✨

We’ve been hard at work curating the silent and live auctions for the 2025 Hospitality Gala — securing amazing items, working with sponsors, and designing displays that bring it all to life.

This project has pushed us, inspired us, and shown us what it takes to create a top-tier event. We’re so proud of what we’ve accomplished and can’t wait for you to see it all in action!

04/24/2025

Meet Angi Nielsen, Market Director for Moët Hennessy and representative for this year’s Hospitality Gala!✨

With 18 years in the wine and spirits industry, Angelia brings a wealth of experience, passion, and leadership to the world of hospitality.

When she’s not shaping the future of luxury wines, you’ll find her cycling the trails of Nashville or baking something sweet at home with her husband and two pups. 🚴‍♀️🐾

Cheers to Angi—a true embodiment of passion, purpose, and hospitality! 🥂

04/23/2025

Meet Marketing Team 2 for The Hospitality Gala🌸✨

From mood boards to mock setups, we’ve been deep in the design details for the 2025 Hospitality Gala — and we’ve loved every minute. Our focus? Creating an unforgettable atmosphere through thoughtful color schemes, stunning florals, and intentional touches that bring the entire event to life.

This isn’t just décor — it’s storytelling through design, and we’re so proud to share a glimpse of what we’ve been working on.