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Showing posts with label charity event. Show all posts

Friday, August 09, 2013

Bargain Hunter? Head to downtown Orlando tomorrow!!

Dawn Nikithser August 09, 2013 0

I don't know how I missed finding out about this until the last minute, but BOY am I glad I did. Take a look:

This rummage sale will benefit Orlando Fringe and Ivanhoe Village, two fantastic area organizations devoted to the arts and keeping Orlando businesses local and lively. There will be loads of treasures to find, plus additional sales from the entire community of Lake Formosa, a great sidewalk sale at Bargain Box, and a costume sale from the folks at D Squared Productions.

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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Meet, Greet, Eat, all for a great cause: Books and Cooks event

Dawn Nikithser September 19, 2012 0

I love books. I also love food. So when a chance comes along to combine both and help out a fantastic cause, I am in! And you should be too.

On October 25, 2012, support the Winter Park Public Library by attending the amazing Books and Cooks event. This discussion group and tasting features some amazing celebrity chefs (both local and national), plus terrific food and drinks from area favorites. Join Norman Van Aiken of Norman's at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes, James and Julie Patrekis of The Ravenous Pig and the new Cask & Larder, Food Network star Emily Ellyn, among others.

The event will feature a discussion led by novelist Bob Norris; delicious diversions will be served along with the foodie talk, including craft beers from Cask & Larder, and then a wander to snack on favorites from Orlando food trucks. After, there will be a party at The Ravenous Pig, where foodies will congregate with the featured speakers for more tastes and talk well into the night.

Tickets benefit the Winter Park Public LIbrary. You can choose from just the talk at $10 ($25 more gets you reserved seating) or spring for the talk plus the after-party for $75 (again, add $25 for reserved seating). Purchase by calling the library at 407-623-3277 or go the official ticketing site.

Here's the full list of authors and chefs; books will be made available for purchase at the event.

Chef Norman Van Aiken: My Key West Kitchen

Chefs James and Julie Petrakis: The Ravenous Pig

Heather McPherson: Field to Feast

Eileen Daspin: The Manhattan Diet

Emily Ellyn

Bob Norris (moderator): Check Six and Fly Off

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Friday, August 19, 2011

Save the Date and Clean the World: November 5, 2011

Dawn Nikithser August 19, 2011 0

Together with the Clean the World Foundation, the Peabody Hotel Orlando will host the First Annual Clean the World Gala, an event already being talked about as the areas next "must attend" charity gala.

The gala will feature fine foods created by Peabody chefs just for this occasion. There will also be performances of cultural dance from all over the world, a silent auction to benefit local families in need, and an as-yet-unannounced celebrity host. This list of sponsors is impressive, with names like Walt Disney World and Neiman Marcus, and could mean some seriously awesome auction items. This gala seems poised to tbe the night everyone will be talking about, so if you want to be there and do some good while enjoying a night out, register now. Single tickets start at $150; group tables are available as well.

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Monday, May 16, 2011

Great Food, Great Cause: 2011 Chef's Gala

Dawn Nikithser May 16, 2011 0

If you're looking for a way to experience some of the best of Central Florida cuisine while benefiting Heart of Florida United Way, the 2011 Chef's Gala is the perfect event for you. This is considered the premier fine dining and wine event of the year, with restaurants from all over the area joining forces for a great cause.

The event is hosted and sponsored by Walt Disney World and is held in the World Showplace at EPCOT. According to renowned Orlando food critic Scott Joseph, the space is "ginormous... voluminous," and perfect for the more than 1000 expected guests to comfortably move around and enjoy all the tasty offerings. Here's how Mr. Joseph explains what you can expect at this fantastic event:

"...once you're inside, you'll be treated to a champagne and martini reception and a silent auction. Then it's inside to the main event. There will be approximately 20 stations this year from some of Central Florida's and WDW's top culinary talent. There will be Kouzzina by Cat Cora and La Luce by Donna Scala... Also in the lineup: Roy's Hawaiian Fusion; Napa; Todd English's Bluezoo; Primo by Melissa Kelly; Artist Point; and a bunch of others."

Having eaten at a few of these places myself (Napa and Bluezoo are two of my all-time favorite restaurants), I can tell you right now that this event is worth every penny of the $225/person ticket price ($400/couple, which save your a bit of cash). You DO NOT need to have EPCOT admission for this event; your ticket price includes special "backstage" transporation into the park for the gala. The backstage access is a bit of a treat in itself, actually. if you've never seen it. Think of it as a little Disney bonus for your buck.

The Chef's Gala is cocktail attire -- that means suits for the gentlemen. Ladies tend to break out their finest for the evening, so expect lots of glitz and glamour. Get a ticket if you can. There are definitely worse ways to spend a Saturday evening than eating exceptional food while looking your grandest, all while helping a worthy cause.

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Tuesday, September 08, 2009

“Pinktober” Returns to Universal Studios Orlando

The Blogster September 08, 2009 0

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and even Orlando theme parks are participating in the campaign to end the disease that affects so many women in the US. You’re sure to find all kinds of merchandise and special promotions in your local malls and restaurants regarding Breast Cancer Awareness month. From special lipstick colors at the makeup counters to optional donations at the grocery store, the entire nation gets together to raise money for various breast cancer charities, like the Susan G. Komen foundation. But when “Pinktoberfest” hits Universal Studios, you will get to help fight breast cancer through another famous charity, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Universal Studios Orlando plans to kick off the month long campaign on September 24th with their Velvet Sessions event. This concert series will take place in the Hard Rock Hotel’s lobby and will feature a performance by The Bangles. One of the most notable female groups in US music history, The Bangles had hits like “Walk Like an Egyptian” or “Manic Monday.” A cocktail party will precede the concert event and then it’s full speed ahead with preparations for “Pinktober.”

“This event brings together great music for a great cause and now more than ever, people are looking for ways they can help make a difference,” says Hard Rock Hotel General Manager Carlton Hudson. “We will even light the hotel’s guitar fountain and the front drive in pink on the night of the Bangles event, as a visual reminder of Hard Rock’s commitment to love all and serve all in the fight against breast cancer.”

Some rooms in the Hard Rock Hotel will be decorated in pink for the fundraising event. If you book one of the “Pink Sheets” rooms 25% of the revenue will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Hard Rock will also be selling some great pink-themed merchandise to help the cause. If you buy one of the commemorative pins, 75% of the retail price goes to the research foundation. If you buy other items like t-shirts, keychains and even a leather vest, 15% of the retail price goes to the foundation. So whether you stay at the Hard Rock, pick up some souvenirs or attend the concert there are plenty of ways to contribute to the fight against breast cancer.

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