HospitaBull Benefit Set for March 26

February 12, 2024 – Sarasota

The 12th annual HospitaBull, the elegant dining fundraising event that supports scholarships and other programs in the University of South Florida’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management on the Sarasota-Manatee campus, is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, at Michael’s on East, one of Sarasota’s most renowned restaurants.

Students will work closely with the restaurant’s staff to organize, prepare and serve the dinner, allowing them to connect traditional classroom theory with real-life food and beverage operations, said Cihan Cobanoglu, dean of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

“Moreover, it plays a crucial role in empowering students by providing financial resources, ensuring they are equipped with the tools needed to excel in their careers,” Cobanoglu said. “HospitaBull epitomizes the fusion of education, professionalism and generosity, making it an indispensable cornerstone in the journey of budding hospitality professionals.”

HospitaBull, which is returning to Michael’s on East for the third time in the past decade, provides USF alumni, friends and other guests with a unique opportunity to support students and faculty in the award-winning School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, which has seen substantial growth since expanding its offerings to USF’s campuses in Tampa and St. Petersburg in 2022.

“Returning to this exceptional center of excellence offers our students a unique opportunity to glean insights from industry leaders, learning from the pinnacle of excellence in their field,” Cobanoglu said. “Our esteemed guests who purchase tickets to HospitaBull will not only indulge in a culinary extravaganza but also contribute invaluable resources towards educating the future leaders of the hospitality industry in Sarasota-Manatee, Florida and beyond,” Cobanoglu said.

Visit the USF Foundation’s website for tickets and details. 

What: 12th annual HospitaBull fundraising dinner for USF School of Hospitality and Tourism

When: 6 to 9 p.m., March 26, 2024

Where: Michael’s on East, 1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota