Cooking for Wishes: A Toast to the Sea was hosted Feb. 21 at Michael's On East.
By
Kayleigh Omang
| 3:09 p.m. February 21, 2019
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Guests seas’d the day Feb. 21 for local Make-A-Wish Southern Florida children.
The annual Cooking for Wishes luncheon was once again hosted at Michael's On East, but with an oceanic twist. The event theme was A Toast to the Sea, and it featured ever-flowing wine for toasting while attendees took turns cooking up seafood dishes for their tablemates.
In the Southern Florida region, there are currently 62 children waiting for their wishes. Many of those wishes include going to Disney World or on a Disney cruise, visiting Australia or meeting an idol of theirs. Wish receiver Grayson Tullio and his family had a table at the event. Grayson was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and his wish was to meet “Iron Man” Robert Downey Jr.
Nick, Jennifer, Grayson and Emma Tullio with (back) Regional Director Rebecca Blitz
Co-Chairwomen Terri Klauber, Kara Saunders and Renee Phinney
Co-Chairwomen Terri Klauber, Kara Saunders and Renee Phinney
Michael's On East radiated blue.
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida hosts the annual interactive luncheon every year.
Each plate setting featured a hand-drawn card set and an apron.
Tervis supplied keepsake tumblers for everyone.
Each guest had a gift bag placed on their seat.
The decor was under-the-sea-themed.
The co-chairwomen were presented with a bouquet from Tiger Lilly.
The signature cocktail featured rum, orange juice and pineapple.
The chance raffle gave one lucky winner a day at The Met spa.
Nick, Jennifer Tullio, Co-Chairwoman Terri Klauber, Grayson Tullio, Co-Chairwoman Renee Phinney, Emma Tullio and Regional Director Rebecca Blitz
Kaitlyn Perez and Poonam Maini
Elisabeth Waters and Cynthia McCague
Many items were available in the silent auction, including earrings from Julie Vos.
Rachel Benderson
Nikki Taylor and Sarah Massey
Co-Chairwoman Terri Klauber with Co-Host Michael Klauber
Tammy Karp, Inna Synder, Elena Williams and Marine Mason
Megan Greenberg, Sarah Massey, Nikki Taylor, Tatyana Stewart, Brigid Saah and Co-Chairwoman Kara Saunders
Heather Saba, Montana Taplinger, Kyla Weiner and Lauren Blomster
Tammy Karp and Donna Koffman
Poonam Maini, Melissa Howard and Shelly Glenn
The Co-Chairwomen Renee Phinney, Terri Klauber and Kara Saunders smile with their bouquets.
Regional Director Rebecca Blitz tells the audience about her passion for her job.
Michael's On East Executive Chef Jamil Piñeda and Co-Host Michael Klauber
The first course featured coconut scallops and prawns.
Michelle Senglaub cooks the first dish for her table.
Kaitlyn Perez stops cooking for a moment to smile for the camera.
Executive Chef Jamil Piñeda shows guests how to prepare their dishes.
Emma Tullio sprinkles herbs into the pan.
Nikki Sedacca and Montana Taplinger made a course together.
Linda and Andy Doan cook their dish.
The lunch consisted of three courses plus dessert.
