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Safari Sarasota guests cook up dishes at interactive dinner

The safari-inspired dinner had guests making their own meals Oct. 24 at Michael's On East.


  • By Harry Sayer
  • | 9:54 p.m. October 24, 2019
  • Black Tie
  • Share

Safari Sarasota's supporters took culinary matters into their own hands during an interactive dinner Oct. 24 at Michael's On East. 

Chef Anna Ridgewell from South Africa’s Londolozi Game Reserve led the guests in an interactive experience where tables cooked up their own multi-course meals throughout the night. 

The event benefited the All Heart Fund, which directs education and supplies to rural African families. All Heart Fund, with the help of the Good Work Foundation, has contributed to the building of five digital learning campuses as well. Safari Sarasota was inspired by Leanna Knopik, a 16-year-old Sarasota native who died from a heart infection. It was her dream to work with children in need in South Africa. 

Guests eventually took a break from cooking to bid on items during a live auction led by Michael Klauber. He hoped the event would bring in $200,000 by night's end. 

Good Work Foundation founder and CEO Kate Groch, Fumani Mathumbu and Maya Groch
Good Work Foundation founder and CEO Kate Groch, Fumani Mathumbu and Maya Groch
Co-chairwomen Beth Knopik and Terri Klauber with Michele Beni
Co-chairwomen Beth Knopik and Terri Klauber with Michele Beni
Chef Anna Ridgewell led the dinner.
Chef Anna Ridgewell led the dinner.
Stephen Knopik and Kim Lindsay
Stephen Knopik and Kim Lindsay
Boyd and Dave Varty
Boyd and Dave Varty
Veronica Clinton, Patrick Perrelli, Robert van Derberg, Sarah Firtenberter and Melanie and Sean Natarajan
Veronica Clinton, Patrick Perrelli, Robert van Derberg, Sarah Firtenberter and Melanie and Sean Natarajan
Brenda Patten and Steve Hutchinson
Brenda Patten and Steve Hutchinson
Vincent and Michele Beni
Vincent and Michele Beni
Joseph Holt
Joseph Holt
Terri, Max and Michael Klauber
Terri, Max and Michael Klauber
Joseph Volpe and Audrey Robbins
Joseph Volpe and Audrey Robbins
Gary and Elizabeth Kompothecras
Gary and Elizabeth Kompothecras
Cheryl Allen and Caitlin Roper
Cheryl Allen and Caitlin Roper
Malaka and Ryan Hilton
Malaka and Ryan Hilton
Mary and David Barry
Mary and David Barry

 

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