The Event Raised Over $250,000 to Enrich the Lives of Children and Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
On the evening of April 26, Ann Storck Center – a Fort Lauderdale-based private nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities – hosted its 28th Annual Celebrity Chefs Event at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood’s Grand Ballroom. The event raised over $250,000 to support the Center’s mission, which is throughout all its programs and services to discover ability and build independence so that individuals live happier, more independent, fulfilling lives.
South Florida’s community leaders, philanthropists and influencers were among the 350 guests who raised awareness, funds and “glasses” for the Ann Storck Center, which accommodates 96 permanent residents and serves more than 300 clients daily through an array of critical care, learning and ability focused programs.
The 28th Annual Celebrity Chefs Event was chaired by Rosalind (Roz) Perlmutter and Susan Renneisen. The event honored the Billisi family with the Community Leadership Award and Rosalind (Roz) Perlmutterwith the Legacy Award. Ann Storck Center team member Theresa Fobbs was awarded with the All-Heart Staff Award for her commitment and dedication to the Center.
The event kicked off with a cocktail reception where Violinist Frank Lima performed, and interactive painter Joseph Gormley painted a piece of art live that was auctioned during “Bid for Kids.” Gormley engaged with guests so that they had the opportunity to paint a stroke on the painting.
Once guests were seated in the Grand Ballroom, Ann Stock Center CEO Patricia (Pat) Murphy welcomed them to a memorable evening. Florida Panthers Arena Host Aaron “The Speaker” Shapiro and 101.5 LITE-FM’s Host Julie Guy emceed throughout the event and helped engage and energize the crowd. Ann Storck Center preschoolers shared heartwarming antidotes about their experience with Ann Storck Center while Shapiro encouraged guests to participate in “Bid for Kids” where they pledged to donate to make a positive impact in the life of a child. Barto at Hilton, Fort Lauderdale Beach performed a live cooking demonstration of its Morell Mushroom Fondue on stage.
While indulging in tastings from South Florida’s top restaurants, breweries and bakeries, supporters enjoyed live entertainment including a magician, DJ and a special musical performance presented by Ann Storck Center’s heARTS Music Therapy Department. The event featured a silent auction offering luxury items ranging from unique travel opportunities and elegant jewelry to memorabilia and lifestyle experiences.
Featured restaurants included Abiaka at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood; Anthony’s Clam House and Grill; Barto at Hilton, Fort Lauderdale Beach; Bob Roth’s New River Groves; Bravo Peruvian Kitchen; Burlock Coast at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale; Casa Calabria; DiSalvo’s Italian Restaurant; Even Keel; Funky Buddha Brewery; Georgia Pig; Howard’s Market & Deli; Livia Bar & Grill; Lovelee Bakeshop; Mimi’s Ravioli; Riverside Market; Tarpon River Brewery; Tulio’s Tacos and Tequila Bar; Twisted Roots Kava Brewery and Zeroe Plant-Based Caviar.
“We’re deeply humbled by the incredible generosity of everyone who joined us for the 28th Annual Celebrity Chefs Event at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood,” said Murphy. “It was fantastic to see our supporters and Ann Storck Center families and savor delicious dishes from South Florida’s favorite restaurants. This unforgettable evening wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our chairs, board members, donors and restaurant partners, all champions for enriching lives of those with developmental disabilities.”
Since its inception, Ann Storck Center’s Celebrity Chefs event has raised nearly $5.7 million dollars to support Ann Storck Center’s mission.
For more information about Ann Storck Center, please visit https://www.annstorckcenter.org/.
About Ann Storck Center:
Ann Storck Center (ASC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through an array of critical care, learning and ability focused programs. ASC has been serving the community for more than 65 years, originally known as the Pediatric Care Center, then in 1981 becoming ASC. Today, ASC accommodates 300 children and adults on six separate sites including a school/therapy center, adult day training program, two intermediate care facilities offering specialized residential services, as well as ten
group homes embedded in the community offering a more independent lifestyle. For more information, visit annstorckcenter.org/, or on social media visit
facebook.com/annstorckcenter,instagram.com/annstorckcenter/, twitter.com/annstorckcenter.
