Miami & Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sept. 5, 2017) – More than 250 guests experienced two unforgettable gastronomical evenings, raising more than $100,000 combined for FLIPANY to continue to teach youth and families healthy eating habits through Share Our Strength’s Cooking Matters™ program. This year’s events were held at the Biltmore in Coral Gables on Aug. 18 and at the W Fort Lauderdale on Aug. 25. These epicurean events, hosted by non-profit organization FLIPANY (Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth) and presented by Target, featured decadent five-course dinners prepared by 12 of South Florida’s most acclaimed chefs in each location. These events have a tremendous impact on FLIPANY’s efforts to end childhood hunger and improve children’s health in our community.
Each table of 10 guests reveled in delightful signature dishes prepared tableside by each of the renowned chefs at each location and each dish was paired with a delightful wine, provided by BreakThru Beverages. “Chefs Up Front” at the Biltmore was emceed by Julie Guy of 101.5 LITE FM and at the W Fort Lauderdale by Kimmy B, host of Miami radio station HITS 97.3.
The “Chefs Up Front” Coral Gables chef lineup included Chef Aaron Dreilinger with Chef David Catering and Event Design, Chef David Hackett with The Biltmore, Chef Michael Vitetta with The Biltmore, Chef Brian Nasajon with Beaker and Gray, Chef Dustin Ward with BLT Prime, Chef Adrianne Calvo with Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar, Chef Pedro Lopez with Soyka, Chef Ryan Martin with 180 Degrees at DRB, Chef Sean Brasel with Meat Market, Chef Michael Altman with the House/Town Kitchen and Bar, Chef Neil O’Connell Scarpetta by Scott Conant and Chef Reto Weissenfluh with Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill.
The “Chefs Up Front” Fort Lauderdale chef lineup included Chef Aaron Dreilinger with Chef David Catering and Event Design, Executive Chef with Steak954 Rashaad Abdool, Chef Brian Cornelius with Shooters Waterfront and Events by Grateful Palate, Chef Gina Sansonia with Cucina Bambina, Chef Marco De Simone with Zona Blu, Chef Derek Rosen with OCEAN2000, Chef Adrienne Grenier with 3030 Ocean, Chef Robyn Almodovar with Palate Party, Chef Giovanni Rocchio with One Door East/Valentino and Chef Lenny Judice with Hilton Fort Lauderdale.
About FLIPANY
Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth (FLIPANY)’s mission is to empower youth and their families through physical activity and nutrition education programs while raising awareness and creating policies for a healthier community. FLIPANY serves youth and families, including seniors, through collaborations with community centers, parks, and other social services agencies. FLIPANY is the lead Florida partner of Cooking Matters, a program of Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. For more information, visit www.FLIPANY.org.
About Share our Strength
Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit, is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. Through its No Kid Hungry Campaign — a national effort to end childhood hunger in America by 2020 — Share Our Strength ensures children in need are enrolled in effective federal nutrition programs; invests in community organizations fighting hunger; teaches families how to cook healthy, affordable meals; and builds public-private partnerships to end childhood hunger at the state and city level.