Bidding Now Open for Online Auction Supporting Student Scholarships in Conjunction with The Culinary Institute of America's 2010 Augie™ Awards

Hyde Park, NY, March 24, 2010 – The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Leadership Awards Auction is now underway. The online auction features unique and once-in-a-lifetime prizes, such as VIP backstage passes to a taping of the Food Network's Iron Chef America, a bottle of 1945 Château Lafite Rothschild, hotel stays, and dinners at top restaurants, including Per Se, Gotham Bar and Grill, and Daniel.

To view the full catalog of auction items and submit bids, visit www.ciagiving.org and follow the links to the online auction.

Bids will be accepted until 9 p.m. EDT on April 1, 2010.

The auction is being held in conjunction with the college's Leadership Awards ceremony, known as the Augie™ Awards. More than 400 people attended this year's "Augies" at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City on March 18. Honorees were Chef of the Year Eric Ripert and Alumni of the Year Cat Cora '95 and Chris Muller '88.

Proceeds from both the auction and awards event benefit the education of future culinary leaders through the CIA's scholarship endowment.

Photo caption: Among the unique items offered at the CIA Leadership Awards Auction are VIP backstage passes to Iron Chef America with Iron Chef Cat Cora '95.

Photo credit: Food Network

Contact:
Jeff Levine
Communications Manager
845-451-1372
j_levine@culinary.edu

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