For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the R. Motwani Family Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Broward College hosted its annual fundraising gala at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach on Thursday, October 14, 2021 bringing together more than 270 hospitality and  tourism  business leaders and professionals from South Florida. The event raised more than $263,000 to benefit Broward College’s hospitality and tourism students through scholarships and enhanced learning experiences.

Key stakeholders at the Gala included title sponsor Stearns Weaver; presenting sponsors One World Properties, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Rick Case Automotive and The Wharf; VIP sponsors Bilzin Sumberg, Falcone Group, Coastal Construction Service Group,  and Abbhi Capital Operations, LLC.

Though the last year and a half the pandemic caused unprecedented impacts to the hospitality and tourism industry, the “Welcome Back” fundraising event marked a celebration of the industry in supporting the Academy’s next generation of leaders in the field – a step forward in an industry that has suffered labor shortages.

During the event, Ramola Motwani, an exceptional industry leader and visionary, shared the importance of connecting students with high-level industry experts to learn about a day in the life of hospitality and tourism industry professionals. During Motwani’s remarks, she recalled a recent field trip to Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach that provided students with the unique opportunity to meet the hotel’s owner Julie Grimes, who was also a key sponsor of the Gala.

“Thank you [Julie Grimes] for sharing with students the importance of learning competencies that a successful professional will need during their career,” said Motwani. “This is so pivotal for their success.”

Broward College President Gregory Adam Haile, J.D. shared with guests Broward College’s commitment to grow the pipeline of talent in the industry and that the college is, “delivering on the hopes and dreams of our students to enter into the world of hospitality, and providing support to these future leaders to ensure the growth and quality of talent in our community.”

The R. Motwani Family Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Management provides students with the opportunity to follow their passion in the industry. Students volunteered at the Gala to learn more about the behind-the-scenes preparation for hospitality events.

“The Motwani Family has provided a path for future careers for students through financial assistance and opening doors to meeting people who might be future employers, or providing guidance in helping start our own businesses,” said Lena Bullock, a Broward College student in the R. Motwani Family Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Ramola Motwani’s two sons, Nitin and Dev Motwani, who are also community leaders and business owners shared their appreciation for those attending the event, supporting the Academy. To learn more, watch the following video from the R. Motwani Family Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Thank you to event sponsors:

Title Sponsor: Stearns Weaver

Presenting Sponsors: One World, Greenberg Traurig, Rick Case Automotive Group, and The Wharf

VIP Sponsors: Bilzin Sumberg, Falcone Group, Coastal Construction Service Group, Abbhi Capital Operations, Debt.com

Champion Sponsors: E11even Miami

Table Sponsors: Cushman Wakefield, Cleveland Clinic, The Related Group, Douglass Elliman, Property Markets Group, MDM Hotel Group, Seminole Hard Rock, Driftwood Capital

Community Sponsors: Lockton, Hotwire Communications, Kauffman Lynn Construction