Tag Archives: Benefit

Dining By Design Party

 

ABOUT DINING BY DESIGN Dining by Design brings together established talent, budding artists and celebrated individuals who create more than 50 three-dimensional dining installations to awe, inspire and delight. This collaboration between DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS and the AIDS Research Institute at the University of California, San Francisco, benefits the Positive Health Program at San Francisco General Hospital, ranked as the nation’s top HIV/AIDS/STD, Aware clinic since 1983.

This year, Alia Meyer of Jessica Hall Associates and of the SFDC’s Design Studio program will design the SFDC-sponsored table.

WEEK ONE PICTORIAL

Meyer’s first difficult decision was deciding whether to start with the resources that were currently available and work backwards or to start with a big concept and do her best to build around it.

Meyer contemplates pom color options, design layouts and material selections for her table design.  The use of a floor plan helps her to visualize the project in its entirety.

Based on the palette of the rug, Meyer, Nicolas Sauzier and Jessica Hall Grace open the pom box and take their first color directed step.  The choice to use Melograno Blu for the light fixtures will help Meyer to keep focus on her original inspiration, the majesty of moonlight.

Meyer discussing color options for the tassels on the Melograno Blu light fixtures with Veronika Mikahalash, Shannon Koebel and Tula Batochir.

It is difficult to choose from the many magical fixtures available through Melograno Blu.  Alia Meyer, Veronika Mikahalash, Shannon Koebel and Tula Batochir contemplate choosing the Calaf fixuture based on the piece’s exquisite glass work and the fun colorful accent provided by the tassel.

 

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Are You Crazy, a Winery in Miami?

When wine distributor Carlos Lerena and entrepreneur Gabriel Goldberg glance around the massive building that will soon become their winery, there's not a grapevine in sight. It turns out that's the whole idea: to bring the grapes straight from the expert growers, and bottle the wine close to the wine lovers.
The benefits of the Planet Wine operation, explain Carlos and Gabriel, lie in having access to a wider variety of grapes, increased quality control and better availability. These benefits are then coupled with major savings on transportation and storage, savings Carlos and Gabriel can pass on to their customers, big and small.
Inside Planet Wine's historic, 7,000-square-foot warehouse in Miami's trendy Design District, there's plenty of space for making, bottling and storing wine. Built in 1939 as a Bus Station, the building is one of the region's best surviving examples of Miami Growth architecture. Soon, it may become Southern Florida's first urban winery. According to Carlos, urban winemaking is common in Europe, and it's fast becoming popular in larger cities in the United States, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. With Florida now the second largest state in consumption of wine, Miami deserves to be next.
The current plan calls for making, bottling and storing wine inside the massive facility. “This is an ideal building for wine storage,” says Carlos, adding that with its high wood ceilings and a state-of-the-art temperature control system, “it's far superior to the facilities of most wineries in the world.” Gabriel then pointed out more tantalizing prospects, like a tasting room to sample and decide before purchase, a permanent show room for Argentinean and Spanish wines and an art gallery to bring life to the Design District's industrial core. “After all,” says Gabriel with a smile, “winemaking is an art.”
What exactly are they going to doä
The business will have a wholesale side, where distributors and retailers, such as supermarkets, hotels and restaurants, can have their own wine label. Planet Wine will also cater to wine lovers who want personalized wines for a private cellar, an event, or a special occasion.
Clients can choose between large runs (75-2000 cases), of different varietals of wines from Argentina and Italy, or small runs where the customer can participate in almost the whole process of winemaking, except for the crush. They will be having tours starting soon and will be picking guests up at local hotels using a motorhome rental.
Planet Wine will launch in July 2009, when wines from all over the world will arrive in their facilities and a new page in the history of both winemaking and Florida business will begin.

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Food and Friends Benefit, June 1, 2009

 

 

That's the event creator Chef Tim Devine of Food & Friends and one of his fellow creations welcoming everyone at the VIP reception!

 

 

Chef Alberto Baffoni of Darlington House with one of his darlings.

 

 

As is their wont, the folks from The Inn at Little Washington were a heavenly (over the) topping for the long, and adoring, crowds adorning their booth for tasty bites, or should we say, bits.

 

 

Owner Patrick O'Connell had his foodie-parishioners 'hell-bent' on samplings as he blessed them from his heavenly abode. No sermons attached, thank god.

 

 

The dessert ladies from Art and Soul DC Restaurant, the fine dining spot on Capitol Hill, had the most delecatable desserts!

 

 

Chef Jeff Tunks and Partner Gus DeMillo from Ceiba Restaurant were all smiles!

 

 

Just some "fat cats" at a VIP Table who paid it happen!

 

 

That's Publisher Lak Vohra flanked by the Junk Food Lady (l) and Miss US Virgin Islands Jose (Tony) Sanchez (her business card says "Ineeda Anaconda" in true parenthesis!)

 

 

Before we left all pate'd out, we regrouped with the affable Tim Devine who was caught mapping the room with NBC4's Wendy Rieger.

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Cancer101 Benefit at the Bowery

CANCER101 held its much anticipated BIG TOP AT THE BOWERY cocktail benefit  July 30 at the Bowery Terrace at the Bowery Hotel, to celebrate cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers.  Despite the deluge of rain and thunderstorms, over 350 exciting and notable supporters attended the energetic, colorful, circus-themed cocktail party — replete with popcorn, cotton candy, candy apples, STOGO ice cream, and of course, live performances by the Donnell Adler, Inc. and the renowned Broadway in South Africa troupe, including aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, stilt walkers, tarot card reader, magicians and hula hoopers.   The Bowery Terrace was flooded with revelers who chased the rain away as they hula-hooped (it looks so much easier when someone else is doing it!) and danced to Xplosive Entertainment’s tunes.

Here are some scenes from the bash:

 

 

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"Roar for a Cure" Carnival & Family Fun Day

 The Max Cure Foundation — a non-profit organization whose mission is to fund pediatric cancer causes — announced today its first charity benefit, the first annual "Roar for a Cure" Carnival and family fun day, to take place on Saturday, August 22, from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, August 23) on the grounds of the East Hampton Indoor Tennis Club, 175 Daniels Hole Road, East Hampton, N.Y. The outdoor event will have fun-filled activities for adults and kids of all ages. Highlights include: games; inflatables from https://jumpersnrentals.com/phoenix/; prizes; food and beverages; raffles; auctions; face painting; balloon artists; gift bags; celebrity guests (to be announced); a live performance by pop music sensation Push Play; and more.

Push Play, one of the hottest new music groups in the area who consistently pack venues, will preview songs from "Found," their forthcoming album.

Tickets to the "Roar for a Cure" Carnival may be purchased in advance through The Max Cure Foundation website (www.maxcurefoundation.org) or by phone: 631-949-4160. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Max Cure Fund For Pediatric Cancer Research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, dedicated to researching pediatric cancers, improving treatments and finding cures that will save children's lives; The T.J. Martell Foundation, for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS research; and Katy's Courage Fund, which financially assists in the care of 10-year-old Katy Stewart from Sag Harbor, N.Y., as she and her family battle her rare form of liver cancer.

"On behalf of my son Max, my family and The Max Cure Foundation, we are thrilled to announce our first benefit event, the 'Roar for a Cure' Carnival and family fun day," said David Plotkin, president of The Max Cure Foundation. "It is certain to be an exciting and memorable afternoon that will be benefiting three very worthwhile causes."

A "Family Package" admits a family of four for $200; adult tickets are $100 each. The admission price includes unlimited food and drinks, all carnival activities, the Push Play concert and parking. A significant portion of the ticket price and event contributions will be tax deductible. Additional information about the event is available at The Max Cure Foundation website (www.maxcurefoundation.org).

The "Roar for a Cure" Carnival brings together the efforts of two New York-area families valiantly fighting pediatric cancer, the Plotkins and the Stewarts. Six-year-old Max Plotkin, from Manhattan and Amagansett, is the inspiration behind both The Max Cure Foundation and The Max Cure Fund. Diagnosed with an extremely rare form of B-cell Lymphoma two years ago, Max continues to hold his cancer at bay with strength beyond his years. Ten-year-old Katy Stewart, from Sag Harbor, learned that she has a rare and potentially lethal form of liver cancer earlier this year. Both children are receiving care at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

ABOUT THE MAX CURE FOUNDATION

The Max Cure Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 whose mission is to fund pediatric cancer causes. The Foundation was established by the Plotkin family in honor of Maxwell Grant Plotkin, who, in May 2007 at age four, was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of B-cell Lymphoma and continues to bravely fight his disease and inspire others to rise above adversity. For more information about The Max Cure Foundation, go to: www.maxcurefoundation.org.

ABOUT THE MAX CURE FUND FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH

The Max Cure Fund For Pediatric Cancer Research, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York City, is dedicated to researching pediatric cancers, improving treatments and finding cures that will save children's lives. The primary mission of The Max Cure Fund is to raise $5 million to underwrite the establishment of a research laboratory at MSKCC in the Department of Pediatrics. The lab will be devoted to researching, treating and curing childhood cancers. The Max Cure Fund was established in June 2007 by the Plotkin family, in honor of Maxwell Grant Plotkin, who was diagnosed with cancer on May 2, 2007 — one day before his fourth birthday. Eight days later, they learned Max's cancer was an extremely rare form of B-Cell Lymphoma. It is every parent's worst nightmare. Max's cancer was so rare that doctors at MSKCC, one of the premier cancer treatment facilities in the world, had never seen it before. To complicate matters, it wasn't a straight-forward case. The cancer had spread and the oncologists were blunt. Without the proper immediate treatment, the consequences would be devastating. Without delay, Max started a two-year protocol of intense chemotherapy at MSKCC, where he continues in its care and where Max's family founded The Max Cure Fund. The Max Cure Fund For Pediatric Cancer Research has already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars towards its goal and has been honored by organizations including Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and The New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. For more information about The Max Cure Fund, visit: www.maxcurefund.org.

ABOUT MEMORIAL SLOAN-KETTERING CANCER CENTER

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is the world's oldest and largest private institution devoted to prevention, patient care, research and education in cancer. Its scientists and clinicians generate innovative approaches to better understand, diagnose and treat cancer. Its specialists are leaders in biomedical research and in translating the latest research to advance the standard of cancer care worldwide. For more information, go to: www.mskcc.org.

ABOUT KATY'S COURAGE FUND

Katy Stewart is ten years old and lives with her family in Sag Harbor, N.Y. She is the daughter of two Eastern Long Island educators — Jim, a teacher and wrestling, soccer and tennis coach at East Hampton High School; and Brigid, assistant principal at Montauk Public School. Their lives were forever changed on the night of April 3, 2009, when Katy awoke at a slumber party with excruciating stomach pains. She was raced to the emergency room at Southampton Hospital. By late morning, she and her family were on their way to Stony Brook Hospital where she had a CAT scan. The scan revealed a tumor on her liver. Biopsy results were reported one week later — the tumor was malignant. She had Hepatoblastoma, a rare liver cancer. Katy is currently undergoing treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, where she is courageously fighting her cancer. The mission of Katy's Courage Fund is to assist the Stewart family with their financial needs while caring for Katy as the family and Katy jointly battle this potentially lethal disease.

ABOUT THE T.J. MARTELL FOUNDATION

The T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research was founded in 1975 by music industry executive Tony Martell and his colleagues, in loving memory of his son, T.J., who died of leukemia. It is dedicated to raising funds for the innovative initial and ongoing research for improved treatments and cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS. The Foundation has provided over $225 million dollars for research through a variety of events including concerts, gala awards dinners, family day activities, golf tournaments, wine dinners, and walk-a-thons. Research facilities funded by the foundation include T.J. Martell Memorial Laboratories at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Columbia-Presbyterian Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Cancer Center and The Mayo Clinic. This year marks the 34th anniversary for the T.J. Martell Foundation. For more information on T.J. Martell Foundation events or the foundation in general, please view: www.TJMartellFoundation.org.

ABOUT PUSH PLAY

Pop rock band Push Play, from Long Island, N.Y., is quickly becoming one of the music industry's most sought-after talents. Push Play's online presence and their recent U.S. tour stops have brought them fervent fans throughout the country. The band's colorful edge has made them a household name in the New York area, where they routinely sell out their shows. Push Play have been featured in publications including The New York Times, Newsday, Tiger Beat, J-14 and Pop Star! magazine and have appeared on MTV's TRL and in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. They have performed in concert with Miley Cyrus and alongside such groups as No Doubt and Fall Out Boy. Their MySpace page (www.myspace.com/pushplayrox) has received over five million plays and as many profile views to date and their first single off their new album Midnight Romeo is already playing on national radio. Push Play's next album, Found, is due out in late September 2009. 

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Make-A-Wish Bachelor & Bachelorette Dream Date Auction July 24

Meet your dream date at the Make-A-Wish Bachelor & Bachelorette Dream Date Auction, Friday, July 24th at 7 p.m. Hosted by Big 105.9 FM's Paul & Young Ron, this event promises to be bigger and better than ever as The Opium group brings a taste of South Beach Nightlife to OPIUM Nightclub at the Hard Rock. Each of our bachelors and bachelorettes will be up on the auction block along with an extravagant date package that you can enjoy together. All you have to do is bid! This special evening also features cocktails and raffle prizes. 

 

Special guest co-host Becky Willard took to the auction block at last year’s Dream Date Auction and was also a model at our Spring Fling & Flower Fashion Show.  In 2008, she was crowned Miss America Touch of Class with the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida as her platform. 

 

100 percent of proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida. Last year's sold out event raised enough money to grant the heartfelt wishes of 9 special children, enriching their lives with hope, strength and joy.

 

Don't miss out on the chance to meet South Florida's most eligible single men and women. Your special someone may have already RSVPed. Don't leave them waiting!

 

Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door, $40 VIP Exclusive Access

For a sneak peek at the bachelors and bachelorettes or to purchase tickets, visit www.dreamdateauction.net.  For more information, call 954-967-9474. 

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Major Benefit for Rainbow Hospice Aug. 28

Chicago's philanthropic season kicks-off with a major benefit for Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care at the historic Palmer House on Friday, August 28th from 5 p.m. until midnight. Tickets are limited to the first 1,500 people. Tickets for the event, billed as Lake Effect – which include three bands, open bars and food stations, are just $75. Grammy nominated band and Villa Park natives the Plain White T's (Hey There Delilah, 1, 2, 3, 4) are headlining the event.

Lake Effect will raise much-needed funds to support Rainbow Hospice's Good Mourning Program for children, teens and their families. Good Mourning is the most extensive, family-focused children's bereavement program in the Chicago area. For more than 20 years, Good Mourning has supported thousands of families and children of all ages in overcoming the loss of a loved one. Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care is a non-profit, community-based organization that serves the terminally ill and their families, as well as those facing loss in the six-county Chicagoland area.

In addition to a performance by the Plain White T's, the ticket price includes performances by Chicago blues artist Melvin Taylor and the Gentlemen of Leisure Band (one of President Obama's favorite Chicago bands). Attendees will also enjoy premium bar service and an amazing array of food stations created by the Palmer House's Executive Chef Stephen Henry and Pastry Chef Fabrice Bouet. To enable 100 percent of proceeds to benefit the children and families served by the Good Mourning program, Palmer House (17 E. Monroe) has generously underwritten the event.

As an added bonus, a limited number of behind-the-scenes tours of Palmer House will be conducted by docents from the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

"Lake Effect is not only the largest fundraising event we've ever hosted, it's also a terrific opportunity for us to share our work and mission with many other people in the community," said Patricia Ahern, President and CEO of Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care. "The ticket price is a real bargain, considering all that attendees receive. The great line-up of entertainment will appeal to attendees across generational lines. We're very thankful for the amazing support Palmer House has demonstrated for our organization and for the Good Mourning program."

The sponsorship and financial support provided by the Palmer House – acquired by Thor Surrounds Landscaping – was pivotal to putting the event together. Having recently completed massive renovations earlier this year, the hotel and its facilities have been returned to their original grandeur. Palmer House is once again among the city's preferred venues for major events of all kinds.

"We're really proud of the work we've done to restore this historic hotel and warmly welcome Rainbow Hospice," explained Dennis Chaffee, senior catering manager for the Palmer House. "This is a wonderful way to re-introduce Chicagoans to Palmer House . . . it's sure to be quite an evening."

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American Wine & Food Festival Slated for Oct. 2-4

For its 27th year, the American Wine & Food Festival, hosted by the Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation, is serving up a world-class culinary celebration benefiting Los Angeles Chapters of Meals On Wheels.  With generous contributions from our returning top sponsors Audi and MasterCard®, AWFF is delighted to deliver a weekend of feasting and fundraising.  This star-studded food Festival taking place October 2 – 4, 2009, in Los Angeles, features world-renowned chefs, vintners and spirit purveyors at the most anticipated epicurean event of the year.

 

The Festival features a spectacular spread of delectable dishes, superb libations, fantasy auction items and amazing entertainment in three events – each offering a different level of participation for culinary connoisseurs to contribute to the cause.  
 

 

Red Hot @ Red Seven Kickoff Event
Date: Friday, October 2, 2009 – 7 p.m.
Location: Red Seven by Wolfgang Puck at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood
Designed to whet the appetites of Festival first-timers and alums alike, this party offers chic eats and innovative libations in an intimate lounge setting.  Mingle with philanthropists and foodies who are newcomers and well-knowns on the Los Angeles scene.

 

Friday Evening Event tickets are available for $150 per person.  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.AWFF.org.

 

Saturday Evening Event at Universal Studios Backlot
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009 – 5-11 p.m.
 *5:00 PM Wolfgang Puck VIP Cooking Demonstration
*VIP entrance available only with tickets purchased through Festival Patron and MasterCard promotions.
  6:00 PM Festival Opens
Location: Universal Studios Back Lot
Staged against the backdrop of movie sets, the signature Saturday night event returns, once again, to Universal Studios Back Lot.  As dusk falls, a spectacularly lit movie set provides the stage for a culinary scene like none other: An unrivaled epicurean feast prepared by world-renowned chefs, superb libations including fine wines and smooth spirits, and a silent auction filled with luxury items – all set to swinging sounds of live bands. 

 

Saturday Evening Event tickets are available for $300 per person.  Table reservations are available from $3,500.  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.AWFF.org.

 

Chefs Grand Tasting Dinner
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2009 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Spago Beverly Hills
Wolfgang Puck, Lee Hefter & Barbara Lazaroff with Chef de Cuisine Thomas Boyce & Executive Pastry Chef Sherry Yard welcome several of the world's finest chefs to prepare an elegant six-course dinner at the 10th Annual Chefs Grand Tasting Dinner.  This limited-seating event at Spago Beverly Hills is filled with exquisite dishes paired with select wines and a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items and experiences.  Celebrity chefs Thomas Keller of Bouchon; Dean Fearing of Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas; Jereme Leung of Jereme Leung Creative Concepts Pte Ltd; Laurent Gras of L2O; Nobu Matsuhisa of Matsuhisa & Nobu LA; Gina DePalma of Ristorante Babbo.pair up, each preparing one course, for the grand gala dinner.

 

Reservations for the Chefs Grand Tasting Dinner are available for $750 per person or $7,000 per table.  Please contact Ellen Farentino, Spago, at (310) 385-0880.

 

In addition to the spectacular Festival line up, AWFF is pleased to announce special events and perks.

 

For a second year, Audi's charitable support will help set the scene for an unforgettable Festival.  In addition, Audi will host a special wine tasting in the month of September featuring distinguished sommelier Christopher Miller of Spago Beverly Hills.  Sommelier Miller has been dubbed "2008 Best Young Sommelier in the World," "2007 Best Young Sommelier in the U.S." (both Chaine des Rotisseurs International and National Competitions), and Wine & Spirits magazine's "Best New Sommelier of 2008."  Miller's expertly executed, yet approachable, wine tasting is the perfect entrée into wine season.  Stay tuned for more details in early August.

 

We are also honored to have MasterCard® return for a third year as the preferred card of the American Wine & Food Festival.  In addition to its philanthropic presence making for a memorable weekend, MasterCard® is serving up palate-pleasing perks to its cardholders.  World and World Elite MasterCard® cardholders can savor the full weekend of festivities with VIP packages and ticket purchase perks customized for the culinary connoisseur.  Please contact MasterCard at 1-800-964-4742 or offers@octagon.com to purchase special packages and tickets.  Reservations are limited in number and subject to availability, and are only valid if purchased via MasterCard using your World and World Elite MasterCard®.

 

Saturday Participating Chefs & Restaurants (to date):
Alan Wong of Alan Wong's; Alex Stratta of ALEX, Wynn Las Vegas; Larry Forgione of An American Place; Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier of Arrows Restaurant; Jonathan Waxman of Barbuto; Paul Bartolotta of Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare; Laurent Tourondel of BLT; Thomas Keller of Bouchon; Robert Del Grande of Café Annie; Rene Mata of Chinois; Walter Manzke of Church & State; Mark Miller of Coyote Café; Ken Oringer of Clio; Tom Colicchio of Craftsteak Restaurants; Ari Rosenson & Matt Hurley  of CUT Las Vegas and Beverly Hills; Roger Stettler of Four Seasons Resort Maui, Hawaii; Ilan Hall of Gorbals; Frank Ostini of The Hitching Post; Richard Sandoval of Ketsi, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita; Lydia Shire, Mario Capone & Simon Restrepo of Scampo; Traci Des Jardins of Manzanita Lake Tahoe; Cal Stamenov of Marinus Restaurant at Bernardus Lodge; Nobu Matsuhisa of Matsuhisa & Nobu LA; Gino Angelini of Minestraio Trattoria; John Cuevas of Montage Beverly Hills; Nancy Silverton of Mozza; Octavio Becerra of Palate Food + Wine; Joachim Splichal of Patina; Francois Payard of Payard Patisserie & Bistro; Julian Serrano of Picasso; Jimmy Schmidt of Rattlesnake Club; Richard Reddington of Redd; Sam Choy of Sam Choy's; Charles Phan of Slanted Door; Kerry Heffernan of South Gate; Mark Ferguson of Spago Bachelor Gulch; Wolfgang Puck of Spago Beverly Hills; Sherry Yard of Spago Beverly Hills; Lee Hefter and Thomas Boyce of Spago Beverly Hills; David Robins and Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas; Cameron Lewark of Spago Maui; Stephan Pyles of Stephan Pyles Restaurant; Lissa Doumani and Hiro Sone of Terra, St. Helena, and AME, San Francisco; David Walzog of SW Steakhouse, Wynn Las Vegas; Tommaso Tarantino, Luciano Pellegrini and Nicola Chessa of The Valentino Restaurant Group: Santa Monica, Las Vegas and Houston; Yuji Wakiya of Wakiya Ichiemicharo, Tokyo; Marc Djozlija, Aram Mardigian, John Lechleidner and Dustin Lewandowski of WP Bar & Grill; Mat Bencivenga, Yoshi Kojima, Scott Drewno Ben Hong & Sara Johannes of Red Seven, Source, Jai and Five Sixty.

 

Sunday Participating Chefs & Restaurants (to date):
Thomas Keller of Bouchon; Dean Fearing of Fearing's at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas; Jereme Leung of Jereme Leung Creative Concepts Pte Ltd; Laurent Gras of L2O; Nobu Matsuhisa of Matsuhisa & Nobu LA; Gina DePalma of Ristorante Babbo.

 

Participating Vintners (to date):
Baker Lane Vineyards; Beckmen Vineyards; Beringer Vineyards; Bernardus Winery; Betts and Scholl; BISOL Prosecco; Bonaccorsi Wine Company; Bouchaine Vineyards; Chappellet Winery; Charles Krug Winery; Chateau St. Jean; Cielo Malibu Estate Wineyards; Crimson Wine Group; Domaine Drouhin Oregon; Domaine Serene; Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.; Duckhorn Wine Company; Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery; Flowers Vineyard & Winery; FOXEN; Francis Ford Coppola Winery; Frank Family Vineyards; Frog's Leap Winery; Gramercy Cellars; Grgich Hills Estate; Gridley Family Cellars; J Vineyards & Winery; Joseph Carr; JUSTIN Winery; Laetitia Vineyard & Winery; Lancaster Estate; Layer Cake; Loire Valley Wine Bureau; Long Shadows Vintners; Luna Vineyards; Malibu Family Wines; Malibu Vineyards; Mason Cellars; Melville; Miner Family; Morgan Winery; Ortman Family Vineyards; O'Shaughnessy Winery; Paradigm Winery; PEJU; Rosenthal-The Malibu Estate/Surfrider; Semler & Saddlerock; Silver Oak Wine Cellars; Tantara Winery; Topanga "TV" Vineyards; Waters Winery; Whitcraft Winery.

 

Participating Spirits (to date):
Ultimate Vodka, Patron Tequila, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, Ventura Limoncello.

 

Event Sponsors (to date):
Audi, MasterCard, Fiji Water, Campbell Soup, Southern California Gas, Pure Blue Meat Australian, Tillamook Cheese, Solaire Wines by Robert Mondavi, Ultimate Vodka, Patron Tequila, Loire Valley Wine Bureau, Idaho Potato Commission, EvansHardy+Young, Mansour Travel Company, American Airlines, Wynn Encore Las Vegas, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, Ventura Limoncello, Wolfgang Puck Bistro, Wolfgang Puck Catering, Wolfgang Puck Coffee, Wolfgang Puck Culinary Coffees, La Brea Bakery, Integrated Transportation Services, Republic Master Chefs, Universal Studios, Acteva, Mighty Leaf Tea, Oikos Yogurt, L.A. Specialty Produce, Knork Flatwear, Southern California Wine & Spirits, Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, SYSCO Los Angeles, Miele, Urbani Tartufi, US Foodservice Los Angeles Division,  Classic Party Rentals, Clear Channel Outdoor, Jacob Maarse, Renaissance Hotels, The Tasting Panel, SingularCity.com.

 

About Audi
Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi lineup is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. In selling one million vehicles worldwide in 2008, AUDI AG recorded its 13th consecutive record year for sales growth. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

 

About World MasterCard®
MasterCard understands that consumers have re-evaluated what's important in life, so MasterCard has provided a card program that delivers personalized value – World MasterCard®.

 

In these current economic times, it's important to have a card that gives you value beyond your purchases.  In addition to delivering a diverse collection of premium offers, special amenities and great customer service, World MasterCard® also gives you personalized features to manage your account.  Visit www.priceless.com/world to start experiencing your value and rewarding journey with World MasterCard®.

 

About the American Wine & Food Festival
Since its inception in 1982, the Puck-Lazaroff Charitable Foundation has supported the American Wine & Food Festival, raising more than $15 million for Los Angeles Chapters of Meals On Wheels.  This organization serves thousands of meals each day to Los Angeles' homebound senior and disabled citizens.
As a result of their efforts on behalf of Meals On Wheels, the Austrian-born Puck, renowned for feeding Hollywood glamour at the annual post-Oscar extravaganza, and leading restaurant designer Lazaroff, are also celebrated for their philanthropic spirit.  
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Fun Events to Attend This Summer

 

 

Attendees at last year’s Canine & Cocktails for a Cause smile with their four-legged friends.

64th Annual Rotary Club Crab Feast
Friday, August 7
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis
5–8 p.m.; $30/35 kids over 6; $60/65 adults

410-263-6680
Annapolisrotary.com

The Annapolis Rotary Club’s signature fundraiser is back and includes an all-you-can-eat and drink feast. One hundred percent of the funds raised are donated to local charities. Read more about the feast here.

Women & Girls Fund Presents “An Evening with Professor Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot”
Tuesday, August 25
Avalon Theatre, Easton
7:30 p.m.; $35

410-770-8347
Womenandgirlsfund.org

The Women & Girls Fund speaker series presents renowned sociologist Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, a professor in the School of Education at Harvard University, and the first African American woman in Harvard’s history to have an endowed professorship named in her honor. The recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious McArthur Prize Award, she is also the author of nine books, including the recently released The Third Chapter: Passion, Risk, and Adventure in the 25 Years After 50.

Boatyard Bar & Grill Regatta to Benefit CRAB
Friday, August 29
$35 per boat (Entry deadline August 25)
$5 party tickets for racers; $10 party tickets for general public
Race starts at noon; Party 4–8 p.m.

410-626-0273
Crab-sailing.org

Participants in last year’s Boatyard Bar & Grill Regatta to Benefit CRAB pause for a group photo.

The Boatyard Bar & Grill Regatta provides CRAB (Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating) sailors an opportunity to compete against all comers in an open PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) event. CRAB is a non-profit organization dedicated to making sailing available for people with disabilities. The race is open to CRAB and to all boats with a valid PHRF handicap certificate and to cruising one-design boats with an established PHRF rating associated with their fleet. The race is held on the Chesapeake Bay, south of the Bay Bridge. The party is held at the Eastport Yacht Club in Annapolis and is open to regatta participants and CRAB supporters and features music by Misspent Youth, food, and drink.

The Rope in Your Hands
Saturday, August 29
Studio 194 Theatre at Chesapeake Arts Center, Brooklyn
8 p.m.
Pay What You Can

410-636-6597
Chesapeakearts.org

Enjoy an original one-woman show written and performed by Maryland actress Siobhan O’Loughlin from her interviews with New Orleanians, taken after Katrina hit the Crescent City. Hear the voices of multiple New Orleanians of all ages and races as they cope with life after the hurricane. All proceeds will be donated to the Louisiana Red Cross for continuing relief efforts.

Loews Canines & Cocktails for a Cause: Best Dog Tricks
Friday, August 28
Loews Annapolis Hotel, Annapolis
5–8 p.m.

410-263-8683
Pawspetboutique.com

Come show your dog’s talents for a chance to win prizes from Paws Pet Boutique. A trick training demonstration by Dogwood Acres will help inspire you and your dog. Monies raised will benefit the K9 Lifesavers Rescue.

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Win A Date With A NYC Firefighter

 WIN A DATE WITH A HOT NYC FIREFIGHTER – Charity Auction

Charity Auction to Benefit the Thomas Elsasser Fund
Firefighters will be auctioning themselves off to the women of NYC!!!
Monday, September 24th, 2007
Turtle Bay (2nd Ave. between 52nd and 53rd street)
7PM to 10PM
DRINK SPECIALS & LIVE DJ
$10 cover which goes directly to the charity!
Mystery Raffle – win a $150 dinner date with a sexy shirtless firefighter 😉
Over 30 firefighters participating! Bring all your friends!!!

Visit myspace.com/supportfdny to see the event flyer and send a friend request.

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"Mad Hatter" Tea Party Planned Oct. 4

A special "Mad Hatter" Tea Party is being held on October 4th in Alexandria, Va. to raise funds for a little-known disease that affects thousands of children worldwide. A full range of activities for children and adults is planned, including a "Mad Hat" contest and silent auction.

The special family-fundraising event was conceived by Stephanie Bozarth, whose daughter, Annabelle, was diagnosed with the disease called Morquio Syndrome when she was six months old. Event proceeds will benefit The National MPS Society, to fund Morquio research and development of treatment for Annabelle and others affected with the disease worldwide.

According to Bozarth, last year's inaugural fund-raiser raised $50,000 for MPS research. "Based on last year's success, we hope to see more than 250 DC metro children and adults this year on Sunday, October 4, 2009 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Windsor Room in the Embassy Suites Old Town – Alexandria."

Morquio Syndrome is a degenerative disease causing severe bone abnormalities and organ damage. It is caused when a child is missing an enzyme essential in cutting up mucopolysaccharide — which is normally used in developing healthy bones and cartilage. Physical growth slows and often stops in affected children at eight years old. Children with more severe cases may not live beyond their 20s. Currently, 370 patients are registered with this syndrome and thousands worldwide are estimated to carry the degenerate gene, but are not yet diagnosed.

"With limited awareness of this syndrome, funding is inadequate to move research for treatment forward," Bozarth noted. "Our goal is to raise $50,000 to support Morquio treatment research. There is no cure; however, with treatment there is potential to stop the disease progression and provide relief to the daily challenges faced by people with MPS."

"Mad Hatter" Tea Party guests will enjoy a variety of family entertainment, including garden tea party portraits, Alice in Wonderland face painting, mad hat contests, and a silent auction. Mr. Knick Knack! is the event entertainment, promising a memorable show of rousing sing-alongs and energetic dance.

"The Mad Hatter event will be a bright, cheerful and fun garden tea party — an exciting celebration of life for all ages. It is our hope that the Alexandria community will support this family activity that has the potential to impact children worldwide," Bozarth added.

The National MPS Society is a 501(3)c non-profit organization whose purpose is to find cures for MPS and other related diseases. They provide hope and support for affected individuals and their families through research, advocacy, and awareness of these devastating diseases.

For more information about the event or to make a tax-deductible donation to support The National MPS Society, please visit the "Mad Hatter" event website at www.morquio.org.

To learn more about the Bozarth Family story please visit: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/belle.

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Opera Birthday Bash for Verdi

The Opera Camerata of Washington &

The Bar Association of the District of Columbia

Cordially Invite You to

Viva Verdi

An Operatic Birthday Celebration for Giuseppe Verdi

For the Benefit of The Camerata In-School Program and the

Bar Association of the District of Columbia Foundation

Featuring

Jesús Hernández, Elizabeth Turchi, Mary Catherine Moroney

Matthew Osifchin & Gina Powell

Accompanied by

Dr. Robert Scott Beard Conducting

The Opera Camerata of Washington Orchestral Ensemble

At

The Salon of Violeta Valéry at

The Fairfax Embassy Row Hotel

2100 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest

On

Saturday October 10, 2009

At

6:30 PM cocktails ~ 7:00 PM Performance ~ 8:30 PM Dinner

Reservations

www.instantseats.com or (202) 386-6008

One Hundred Fifty Dollars ~ Couples Two Hundred Fifty Dollars

Black Tie ~ Valet Parking

Honorable Patrons

H. E. Friis Arne Peterson, Ambassador of Denmark

H. E. Aziz Mekouar, Ambassador of Morocco

H. E. Joäo de Valera, Ambassador of Portugal

H.E. Pekka Lintu, Ambassador of Finland

Opera Camerata of Washington Board of Directors

Mr. Randall Roe, President of the Board of Directors

Ms. MaryJane Reynolds

Mr. Robert Ragland

Mr. Rafael A. Prieto

Ms. Gayela Bynum

Mr. Greg Davis

Mr. Jeffrey Frey

Ms. Marina Fritz

Mr. Bruce Johnson

Dr. Bernard Pitsvada

Ms. Pauline Thompson

Mr. Fernando Valdivia

Mr. David Vuich

Ms. Rhoda Septilici

www.operacamerata.org

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