The Metropolitan Club Foundation (MCF) indeed has a noble mission. It aims to support and advance the club management profession through various educational programs, financial assistance, and professional opportunities. The foundation promotes club management and hospitality in New York and beyond by collaborating with academic institutions and other organizations.
Additionally, the foundation provides crucial support to club management professionals and their families during times of need, such as illness, disaster, or the loss of a family member. This comprehensive approach fosters professional growth and contributes to the well-being of those dedicated to the club management industry.
Among the highlights of MCF’s annual calendar of events is the annual Met Club Foundation Vendor Event at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, NY. The day breaks down into a full slate of events including an opening breakfast, vendor showcase, specialized seminars and the iconic club chef’s reception. This year’s event was very well attended by the who’s who of private club industry decision-makers. Many vendors traveled nationwide to showcase their products and services and network with their peers.
The annual event provides top suppliers of food, equipment, beverages and services a venue to listen to and respond to the ever-changing needs of the club management and culinary community.
“We love attending the MCF Vendor event every year,” noted Jeff Aldana, Regional Sales Manager at The Chefs’ Warehouse. “We’ve developed a close relationship with Private Clubs and their culinary teams; they feel like family to us. This event is an excellent opportunity for us to come together once a year, celebrate each other’s successes, and discuss our goals. As vendors for several years, we’ve been to many shows. However, only some are as exclusive and focused on working together, building partnerships, and achieving our goal of owning the plate and assisting the MCF with their essential fundraising initiatives.”
After a productive afternoon, the Club Chefs of Westchester served up a fabulous array of culinary delights from the culinary teams at Sunningdale Country Club, Blind Brook Club, Rolling Hills Country Club, Shenorock Shore Club, Southward Ho Country Club, Manursing Island Club, American Yacht Club, Hampshire Country Club, Siwanoy Country Club, Wykagyl Country Club, Brae Burn Country Club, Scarsdale Golf Club, Coveleigh Club, Metropolis Golf Club, The Apawamis Club, Mount Kisco Country Club, Old Oaks Country Club.
Sponsors for the event included: The Chefs’ Warehouse, Paganos, Baldor, Fischer & Miller, Rivera Produce, Sysco, Paris Gourmet, Gordon’s Food Service, Downtown East Seafood, McGregor Meats and Grey Bar.
“I noticed an optimistic atmosphere among those who attended the event this year. Vendors and industry folk were more enthusiastic and engaged, emphasizing the growth of the golf business,” noted Zachary McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer at Club Capital Group. “As a cost management consultancy that helps clubs around the country lower their food purchasing costs, it felt like a no-brainer based on the Show’s focus. From the fantastic food from the club culinary teams at the reception to the opportunity to tell our story to some of the country’s most prominent and most respected club managers, it is easily one of our favorite events on the calendar each year.”
Among the notables at the event was former Winged Foot GM Colin Burns. “This is like a homecoming – vendors, club managers, friends, and colleagues gathering at the start of the season. The MCF, as a result of the Vendor Show and other efforts, has distributed tens of thousands of dollars to families in need and for professional education and scholarships. The Vendor Show helps support MCF As a Trustee of MCF, I am most grateful to the Vendors and all the Club professionals who support the Show,” Burns, who is now an Executive Search Consultant for Private Clubs and Resorts at G.G.A. Partners, concluded.
Once again in 2024 with the deft guidance of MCF’s Heather Apgar and her team, the event proved to be a must for club management professionals and the vendors that support and serve them.
