The Ann Storck Center in Fort Lauderdale is comprised of a preschool for infants and toddlers up to five years old, a developmental training program, three family like homes for children and adults with severe and/or multiple disabilities as well as five professionally staffed and equipped group homes. The Center also maintains a high tech "smart" single family home for six residents as well as a residential cluster in Pembroke Pines.

Named after Nurse Ann Storck who, forty years ago, began caring for so many children who were developmentally disabled the Center has been a beacon in our community these many years and made a tremendous difference in the lives of so many deserving people. It is nationally accredited and serves the needs of individuals who have both multiple and severe developmental and learning disabilities also including Autism, Cerebral Palsy and Mental Retardation.

Roz Perlmutter is chairing the event and has been a driving force, both this year and many years in the past. Bending over backwards, working tirelessly, making the impossible possible to assure this night becomes a highlight to all who attend. Roz and her husband, Robert, have been ardent supporters of the Ann Storck Center and have witnessed firsthand the love and care they give. Their daughter, Elana, who was born with severe handicaps and is now in her early twenties, is a resident. They have been able to sleep at night knowing she is well cared for at all times and the people who are intimately involved in her care are dedicated professionals. Roz understands the many challenges which arise on a daily basis for both the residents and staff and is both grateful and recharged by the response our community has shown through the years and their willingness to step forward and help to answer the call.

"I am thrilled to have my talented friends, Joan Ast, Maria DeLegal and Doris Sipos acting as co-chairs. It is because of them the event will be as spectacular as expected. This not to be missed event gives our best local chefs an opportunity to show their culinary skills, great food and serve a great cause," says Chair of the Celebrity Chef's event, Roz Perlmutter. "Food connoisseurs and our loyal followers of the event all agree the Ann Storck Center's Celebrity Chefs Food Tasting & Auction is one of the most exciting and out of the ordinary fundraisers of its kind. While of course helping such an amazing organization as The Ann Storck Center."

Maria Delegal, Ann Storck Board Member says, "Ann Storck is the most incredible organization to be involved with. The care and love they show to their residents is unsurpassed."

Every year the ballroom is decorated to the nines and guests will begin the evening at 7:00 p.m. with cocktails, an open bar and a visit to the magnificently decorated glitzy and glittering silent auction area. There, on display, are tables laden with extraordinarily beautifully wrapped baskets filled with sports items, art work, jewelry, children's clothing and gifts, silver and china, dining certificates and autographed memorabilia. It is as if you were shopping in a fairytale land as you move throughout the gaily lit ballroom as you view the interesting auction items you will not find anywhere else. For those of you who bid on these items as gifts, it will not be necessary to do any rewrapping as the presentations are outstanding in every way.

Surrounding the entire perimeter of the ballroom and creating the most tantalizing aromas imaginable are many of the top chefs of our area. The ones you've heard and read about, the latest and the greatest, preparing their particular specialty offerings. Some of the restaurants you will be able to experience are; 3030 Ocean, Marriot Harbor Beach, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza , Anthony's Runway 84, Aruba Beach Cafe. Bamboo, Noah's, Bin 595 Eclectic Grille & Wine Bar, BlueBell Creameries, Blue Martini, Bob Roth's New River Groves, Brooks Restaurant, Casa D'Angelo, Chef Elisa's Catering,, Chef's Palette, Council Oak, Hard Rock Cafe, Hi-Life Cafe, Le Bistro, Jimmies Chocolates, Mancini's, Renegade Barbeque Company, Specialty Bakers, Sublime Whole Foods Market and much more.

Anthony Bruno, Owner of Anthony's Runway 84 and Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza has supported the Ann Storck Center for numerous years. "I am drawn to the Ann Storck Center because of the great work they do. It is my honor and privilege to be apart of this event."

Can you imagine tasting one of the very favorites of each of these outstanding restaurants all in one night? It's an amazing happening guaranteed to keep your taste buds flowing, giving you the opportunity to cherish the aromas and be enthralled with the presentations. You will thoroughly enjoy your eating experience as you partake of the multiple epicurean edibles and participate in this fantabulous feast of food. Although we know it will be hard to do, we caution you to be sure to save room for dessert. The event theme is always unique and spectacular and adds to the festive atmosphere. If ambiance is what you are looking for, you won't be disappointed! As you savor your meal, you will also have the chance to enjoy the entertainment, this year provided by the electrifying sounds of Rock With U.

One of the highlights each year is also the Bid For Kids auction which supports the scholarship campaign and assists in helping a child attend the Ann Storck Center's Preschool. All of the monies raised go directly to helping provide these much needed services and you have the supreme pleasure of knowing, you are making a tremendous difference in the lives of people who are less fortunate and very deserving. As delicious as the night will be, everything will taste even better when you know you are doing something to help others benefit and are able to, in this small way, assist in providing a better quality of life for very special people.

The tickets for this memorable evening are $175.00 per person and well worth it. You will get more than your money's worth back in nourishment both for the body and the soul by enjoying the tasty offerings and helping to support a group as worthy as the Ann Storck Center.

For more information and to order your tickets please contact Daniela Bitshman at 954-584-8000, Ext. 372 or email at dbitshman@ascfl.org.

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