Daytona State Foundation gala to honor speedway’s Lesa France Kennedy

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 8, 2013) - The Daytona State College Foundation will host its annual gala on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the college’s Mori Hosseini Center (Bldg. 1200) on the Daytona Beach Campus, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd.

The annual gala is among the area’s premier charity events. This year’s honored guest will be Lesa France Kennedy, CEO of International Speedway Corp. and vice chairperson of NASCAR.

“Lesa France Kennedy and International Speedway Corp. have been longtime benefactors of Daytona State College,” said President Carol W. Eaton, “providing valuable internships for our students, and supporting our Foundation scholarship fund and college growth initiatives. It is a pleasure to have her as our honored guest during what promises to be a delightful evening for all who attend.”

Daytona State Foundation Executive Director Kay Burniston noted that Taste of the 24 events held at the speedway in recent years during the 24 Hours at Daytona race, in which the foundation has been an event partner, have been successful fundraisers. “This event has been a model for the great things that can be accomplished on behalf of Daytona State students when local business and industry partner with the college,” she said. “We are grateful for Lesa France Kennedy’s leadership in recognizing the value of the college’s mission.”

Guests attending this year’s gala will be treated to a festive French theme featuring delicious hors d’oeuvres and exquisite French haute cuisine paired with wine par excellence. Guests may select from seven entrée selections carefully prepared by Daytona State culinary students under the guidance of their award-winning instructor and master chef, Costa Magoulas.

The pièce de résistance for the evening will be live and silent auctions, where guests can bid on a variety of quality items and services donated by the local community, such as fine jewelry and vacation packages.

Individual tickets for the event are $125 per person. Sponsorships also are available at a variety of levels. For tickets or more information, call (386) 506-3724 or visit http://donate.daytonastate.edu/.

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