CHEF Gala 2018

THE CULINARY AND HOSPITALITY EDUCATION FOUNDATION OF SW FLORIDA
invites you to Celebrate CHEF
by attending our 2018 Gala
"THE DELIGHTS OF EVOLVING CUISINE"

Chef Fabrizio Aielli and his wife Ingrid

WHAT AN ADVENTURE THIS YEAR'S GALA WILL BE!
Set in the exciting new event space of Venue Naples, it is conceived to spotlight evolving cuisine, which, to many, denotes a fusion of flavors. This is a theme especially espoused by the evening's special honoree, Fabrizio Aielli, whose "Venetian World" cuisine represents an imaginative combination of centuries of tradition coupled with current international influences. Co-chairs of the event are Chrissie Forbes and Brian and Nicole Roland.

FOOD AND WINE STATIONS
Bringing their gifts of food and wines to us will be our Honoree Fabrizio Aielli of Sea Salt, Barbatella and Dorona; Vincenzo Betulia of Osteria Tulia, Bar Tulia and The French Brasserie; Fred Gardner of Mathews & Gardner; Paw Mikkelsen of Mikkelsen's Pastry Shop; Brian and Nicole Roland of Crave Culinaire and Venue Naples; and Norman Love of Norman Love Confections. Fine wines, brought by Charleen Bridgett of The Wine Merchant, will be included to sample, and there will be a cash bar.

LIVE AND SILENT AUCTION ITEMS
Another highlight of our annual event is the opportunity to bid on extraordinary live and silent auction items, with bidding open ahead of time for those who are registered.

SEPARATE PRE-EVENT FINE WINE TASTING
Preceding the main event there will be a separate Fine Wine Tasting of "Great Old World Wines," featuring stunning wines from Alan G. Goodridge's notable collection. Sommelier Mladen Stoev will conduct the tasting at 5:30 at The Wine Merchant, just a few doors away from Venue Naples. This event is open to the first 36 people to register as sponsors.

BENEFICIARIES OF THIS EVENT
Benefiting will be culinary and hospitality students from Lee and Collier Counties winning our scholarships while attending FGCU's School of Resort and Hospitality Management or the Culinary Institute of America, as well as winners of our scholarships awarded through the Community Foundation's Scholarship Connector program.

THE TICKETING PROCESS
This year, like last year, Gesture is hosting our online ticketing site and auction. Ticket and sponsor levels are offered when you click on BUY TICKETS at the top of this page.

Should you prefer to purchase tickets and pay by check, please click here for a form that can be printed and mailed. Please note, however, that we recommend the online option, which not only automatically registers you but also makes it easy for you to bid on silent auction items, both ahead of time as well as once you arrive at the event (using a smartphone or tablet).