Come Together Soiree Raises over $200,000

Duree Ross - 1/16/2012

Pembroke Park, Fla. – Jan. 13, 2012 – Approximately 450 people gathered at Feeding South Florida’s (formerly Daily Bread Food Bank) “Come Together” evening event on Jan. 12 to join the fight against hunger. Over $200,000 was raised through event proceeds and sponsorships to benefit Feeding South Florida, a not-for-profit organization that feeds South Florida’s hungry in order to improve their lives. “Come Together” also celebrated Feeding South Florida’s 30^th anniversary.

Held at The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse in Miami from 7-10 p.m., “Come Together” featured chefs from some of South Florida’s top restaurants who prepared delicious fare, spirits, incredible artwork, and live entertainment by Fernando Brito and his trio as well as the musical group “Smiling Gums.” Each attendee left with a gift bag from Neiman Marcus including specialty beauty items, a “Smiling Gums” CD and toffee created by Chocolate4Charity.

Participating restaurants were Asia de Cuba, Chef Allen’s Burger Bar, China Grill Miami, China Grill Ft. Lauderdale, City Hall The Restaurant, Egg & Dart, Makoto Bal Harbour, Mercadito, Ortanique on the Mile, Scarpetta Miami, The Biltmore, The Forge, 1500°, Whisk Gourmet Food & Catering, and Sugarsweet Dreams Cake Company.

“Come Together” 2012 event chairs were Maria R. Millares, president of the Board of Directors for Feeding South Florida; Chef Allen Susser, and Terry Zarikian of China Grill Management and New York’s City Harvest. Event sponsors included JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Millares & Company, Andes Chemical Corporation, Atlantic Biologicals, Barkins Endodontic Group, Deering Bay Women’s Tennis Association, ETC Miami Beach, Global Village Charitable Trust, Loyola Asset Management and Sabadell United Bank. In-kind sponsors were The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, VSBrooks Advertising, Panache Party Rentals, Le Basque, Bacardi USA, Southern Wine & Spirits, Shutterbox Photo Booth, VOSS Water, Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, Nespresso, Pro Translating, Bacsh Jewelers, and Chocolate4Charity.

“The 2012 ‘Come Together’ event was an amazing success,” said Millares. “From the delicious fare to the entertainment to the amount we raised to help feed the many individuals in South Florida experiencing food insecurity, we are very pleased with every aspect of the event.” 

Individuals and corporations are Feeding South Florida’s main sources of financial support. For every dollar donated, seven lifesaving pounds of food and grocery items are provided.

In South Florida alone, 936,000 individuals are food insecure; 36 percent of those served are children. In 2011, Feeding South Florida provided more than 30 million pounds of food to over 700 agencies throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties. Recently, Feeding South Florida’s agencies are reporting a 39 percent increase in the demand for food services, due to the current economic climate.