Hospitality - A Gateway to the World

Bob Billingslea School of Hospitality Management “Pineapple Anchor Ball”

Bethune -Cookman University

Hospitality is what makes the world go round and impacts everyone’s lives. It is about people, being creative and opening doors to the world. It is something that affects us day to day and is necessary to live life as we do. Sadly it is something that gets overlooked. But not recently, on October the 29th the unique event took place to celebrate and honor those at The “Pineapple Anchor Ball” held at the beautiful Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.

The evening was spectacular as we were all taken away to the Islands. The night began with a VIP reception with food catered by Sage Kitchen. The black tie event had a magical red carpet (blue) and welcomed everyone as they grabbed their passport and set onto the port to adventure to the tropics. It began with a warm welcoming and opening remarks from the Chair of Bob Billingslea School of Hospitality Management, Dr. Deanne Williams-Bryant. Followed by The Mayor, CIty of Daytona Beach Honorable Derrick Henry.

Following was the Dean of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship of Bethune-Cookman University, Dean Doctor Lawrence Drake. All giving words of advice and honoring the students of the school. Sharing their love to make the future a better and stronger one! Next was keynote speaker Congresswoman Valdez B. Demings, Florida’s 10th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her speech left everyone incredibly inspired and moved leaving her with a standing ovation. She ended with a quote from Civil rights activist John Lewis. “You are the light. Never let anyone — any person or any force — dampen, dim or diminish your light.”

Shortly after everyone sat down to an incredible Island Vibes dinner that was created by the hotel followed by a sweet escape and a lovely decadent dessert. They even were kind enough to fix an incredible gluten free and vegan dinner for myself. It was an Islanders Dream.

The entertainment added to the vibe and took us further away to the Islands with the soothing sounds and vocals from Entertainment from B-CU Livewire Band. As we came to the closing Rhythm of the night the event ended with the Silent Auction, Raffle and dancing to DJ Kronos.

photo courtesy of 2021PAB

photo courtesy of 2021PAB

photo courtesy of 2021PAB

photo courtesy of 2021PAB

photo courtesy of 2021PAB

The silent auction had items from hotels, to a Hawaii trip to Disney just to name a few. The event also had incredible sponsors from the Hyatt to The Hard Rock to Nascar and including Sheen Magazine.

Everyone was filled with words of inspiration and motivation. It was incredible to see the team of students and staff that worked together as a community to put this incredible event together. It was magical. I have to say I was honored to witness it. Thank you for giving us something the world needs. Everyone needs someone to believe in them. Helping the community live up to its potential. It is so amazing to see others lift one another up. This is our future!