On Saturday, March 8, I was reminded of how much the Myrtle Beach food scene doesn’t get enough street cred next to our neighboring foodie metros of Charleston to the south and Wilmington, North Carolina, to the north. But we should. And there was so much more that I witnessed on this evening.

I had the honor of attending the 17th annual “Passport to Madrid” Foundation Gala, hosted and served by the students and instructors of the International Culinary Institute (ICI) of Myrtle Beach at the Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) Grand Strand campus. (My husband works for US Foods, the gala’s food sponsor for the night.) It was a chance to slip into some formal wear, sip on some champagne, and sup on a five-course culinary masterpiece.

The prelude to the evening’s first course was an elegant hors d’oeuvre and champagne reception in the ICI’s grand lobby and entrance, with a backdrop of live entertainment.

After all guests were ushered into the ICI’s swanky dining room, the plated courses flew out of the kitchen in well-orchestrated motion. The first course set the standard: a refreshing Lobster, Orange, Grapefruit, and Frisee Salad with Artichoke Rosemary-Roasted Marcona Almonds and finished with Clementine and Saffron Vinaigrette and Piquillo Pepper Aioli. The courses that followed showcased an Olive Oil-Poached Local Fish; a Shrimp, Scallop, and Pork Belly Paella; and a Wood-Grilled Wagyu Filet with Bravas Potato Pave, Catalian-Style Spinach, Logrono Mushrooms, and Romesco Sauce. Dessert was the deserving grand finale, described as a “Grazing Extravaganza” prepared by the Baking and Pastry Capstone Students.

But this night wasn’t just about grazing and gazing at the beautiful people of Myrtle Beach, it was all about raising money for the HGTC Foundation, whose mission is to benefit scholarships and resources for HGTC students. In fact, prior to dinnertime, the Foundation presented a check for $27,500 to HGTC. This is all made possible by community sponsors and donors, the gala’s virtual silent auction that had been running over the last few weeks (chef-catered dinner parties, spa packages, travel packages, and more), and a rapid-fire live auction that happened later that evening, when guests bid thousands on exclusive events—even a high-end golf car. The generosity in the room was humbling.

Since its inception 16 years ago, the HGTC Foundation has raised more than $1 million through this annual gala. If you or your business would like to support the Foundation and its vision to further higher education, they are always accepting financial donations, equipment or technology contributions, mentoring opportunities, internships, or service on academic or foundation advisory boards. Visit Hgtcfoundation.org for more info.