21st Annual Celebrity Chefs Food Tasting & Auction Raises Over $300,000
Hosted by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Benefiting Ann Storck Center
They came, they ate, they bid and partied. On September 27, hundreds of fun loving and generous people converged at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for the 21st Annual Celebrity Chefs Food Tasting & Auction to benefit Ann Storck Center, one of Florida’s most respected non-profit organizations. The highly anticipated culinary event once again earned its place as one of the most spectacular events of the social season raising over $300,000 in support of programming and services that benefit the residents and children at Ann Storck.
The tasting adventure began as soon as guests arrived. The first course, served during the cocktail hour, consisted of ceviche sliders and a sushi buffet provided by Beauty and the Feast. Then their gastronomical journey moved into the ballroom where the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s design team created an atmosphere of elegance mixed with a flare of party like a rock star décor which put guests in the “rockin’ mood.” The centerpieces, which were available for purchase, were electric guitars each uniquely designed by Ann Storck’s Fine Art Studio.
Distinct and varied gourmet dishes were prepared by more than 20 of South Florida’s elite chefs from: Aruba Beach Café, Beauty & The Feast Bar/Kitchen, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Bob Roth’s New River Groves, Dapur, Hard Rock Banquet Catering, Hard Rock Café Restaurant, John the Baker, JOJI Yogurt, La Cucina Veneziana, Kitchen 305, Martorano’s Restaurant, Mimi’s Ravioli, Ocean 234, Piccolo, Riverside Market, Sardelli Italian Steakhouse, Tastebuds Catering, Timpano and Tokyo Blue.
Throughout the evening the Mistress of Ceremonies, Trina Robinson (5:30 p.m. Anchor and Investigative Reporter for NBC 6) was on hand to get everyone in the mood to bid and, of course, bid often. She posed for pictures and selfies throughout the night and even donated a pair of designer shoes for the silent auction that the she personally signed for the lucky bidder. What guests didn’t expect was a surprise performance by The Sugarhill Gang. The concert had everyone on their feet dancing and singing.
“I’ve received calls, letters and emails from those who attended to tell me that this year’s event was the best ever,” stated CEO of Ann Storck, Charlotte Mather-Taylor. “The success is thanks to the Co-Chairs and Sponsors that made it possible. They really outdid themselves.”
During the event, the spirit of giving reached its peak when The Sugarhill Gang launched “Bids for Kids” in support of Ann Storck’s pre-school program. Generous supporters in the room made donations that will benefit early intervention programs and services for the young students.
“We are grateful to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the Chefs, Trina, The Sugarhill Gang, and to the hundreds of people who participated to help Ann Storck Center raise vital funds for the important services they provide,” said Roz Perlmutter, who was co-chair of the event together with Joan Ast, Staci L. Burton, Gena Osceola, Marge Osceola, Doris Sipos, and Susan Renneisen.
Presenting Sponsors included Broward Health, Joel & Marcia Hochberg, Carl & Angela Perez, The Perlmutter Family, and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Media Partners were Eyes on News, Eye on South Florida and Lifestyle Media Group.
About Ann Storck Center
Ann Storck Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities for 30 years. The Center cares for the most medically fragile and vulnerable individuals in South Florida. It strives to create an exceptional living and learning environment which helps to discover abilities and builds independence. The dedicated staff provides compassionate and caring services for the 300 children and adults and is noted for their commitment to excellence. Ann Storck Center continues to raise the bar and set standards of care for others to follow. For up to date information please visit: www.annstorckcenter.org, www.facebook.com/AnnStorckCenter1 and on Twitter @AnnStorckCenter.
About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino invites you to PLAYHARD! Play, stay, dine, and shop at South Florida’s ultimate entertainment destination. Over 90 tables offer Blackjack, Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker, Casino War and Let it Ride on a nearly three-acre casino floor. Additionally, 2,500 slots include the Native-American Casino linked Multi-Area Progressive Jackpots and Mega Jackpots. Separate high-limit rooms for table games and slots, in addition to a non-smoking room, are available for guests to enjoy. Loyal Player’s Club members also have access to the exclusive VIP Plum Lounge and VIP Chef’s Table show kitchen. The Poker Room at Seminole Paradise hosts various games and tournaments of Limit and No Limit Texas Hold ‘em, 7-Card Stud and two dollar and four dollar limit Omaha Hi Lo games. Located inside the casino is Hard Rock Cafe -Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 136 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll themed restaurants. The Green Lodging Certified by the State of Florida, AAA Four Diamond-rated resort showcases 500 luxurious guest rooms, 17 restaurants and lounges, 40,000 square feet of meeting room space, the Body Rock Spa, 22 boutique shops, 12 nightclubs, the 400-seat Paradise Live Theater and the 5,500–seat Hard Rock Live concert arena. Located on State Road 7 (U.S. 441) in Hollywood, Florida. Take I-95, exit Stirling Rd. and travel west to 1 Seminole Way. For more information, call (954) 327-ROCK, 1 800-937-0010 or www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com and www.facebook.com/seminolehardrockhollywood.
