Melissa Douberly, Tyson Babb, Lisa Jayne Warren-Wallace and Gina and David Warren dig the vibe of the Studio 54 theme and the cocktail hour.
Janet Combs
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With enthusiasm, passion, drive and moxie, Sarasota's own Terri Klauber once again delivered a night of laughter, fun and food, sprinkled with a pinch of wishes, a dash of dancing and a heaping helping of philanthropy that only this town can cook up. Â
Held at the Circus Arts Conservatory, the 16th Annual Cooking for Wishes event Feb. 19 was sold out thanks in part to Klauber's team of 38 ambassadors. With 400 guests, Make-A-Wish staff, entertainment and Michael's On East servers, the venue was filled to the brim with a frenzy of activity.
Guest "chefs" took to the giant screens to watch Chef Jamil Pineda as he gave instructions to prepare a three-course dinner. Midnight Marrakesh, Disco Garden Groove and The 54 Sizzle! were carefully curated to match the "Get Your Groove On" theme for this year's event.
Co-chairs Terri Klauber, Renee Phinney and Lauren McComb Dixon were as immersed in the experience as their guests and made sure to check in with most everyone to deliver personal thanks.
The live auction kicked off with Michael Klauber auctioning a forever friend in the form of a mini Yorkie pup from Minimagic Yorkshire Terriers. With the pup safely snuggled in Terri's arms all evening people were already ooohing, aaahing and checking banking apps on their cell phones. Elizabeth Giuliani (yes, that Giuliani) proved you can buy love with her winning bid for the pup. Happy tears were flowing as Giuliani said no, she was not naming the dog after her cousin, Rudy.
Other auction items included jewelry, vacations, dinners and more, with the event bringing in over $1.1 million.
The average cost of a wish is $10,000. At the event, fifth grader Keegan Hipsher learned his wish is being granted to travel to Switzerland.
The event benefits Make-A-Wish Southern Florida's Suncoast Chapter, which serves local children in Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Manatee and Sarasota counties who face critical illnesses. Research shows that these wishes bring hope, joy and so much more to families who face treatments that may last a lifetime.
Michael and Terri Klauber with the most popular auction item on the list.
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Michael Klauber with co-chairs Renee Phinney, Terri Klauber and Lauren McComb Dixon
Cirque Vertigo performers include Tatiana McEachern, Euther Garcia and Gina Wojciechowski.
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Melanie Jefferies and Paula Stevenson enjoy a night of disco, funk and food.
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Michael Klauber, Renee Phinney and Glen Rieth greet guests.
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Euther Garcia lets the good times roll.
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Terri K0aluber gets a hug from Daliany Leon, 16, whose wish was a trip to Paris. Her wish was granted last year in this very spot.
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Terri Klauber, center, with part of her team of ambassadors.
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The 16th Annual Cooking for Wishes was held on Feb. 19 with 400 guests in attendance.
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The 16th Annual Cooking for Wishes was held on Feb. 19 with 400 guests in attendance.
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Kris Nystrom, Jim Kraft, John Huskins and Ed and Kylie Pelc
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Team Tsunami includes Elizabeth and Dino Klamson, Jason Klamson and Jeffrey Karasawa.
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Lauren McComb Dixon and Kris Ravenscroft enjoy the cocktail reception.
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From Make-A-Wish are Karen Mullins and Stu Opperman.
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Nikki Sedacca is "not taking another puppy home tonight," but is thrilled with the pup she took home last year. Together with Terri Klauber and Kris Ravenscroft the girls are going to cook seafood.
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Fifth grader Keegan Hipsher attends Tatum Ridge Elementary School and is this year's Make-A-Wish recipient. Keegan is photographed with family, friends and he makes a shoutout to his teacher, Mrs. Martin.
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Katie and Kevin Hipsher with their children, 10-year-old Keegan and 14-year-old Kellen. Keegan is this year's Make-A-Wish recipient.
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Ron and Rola Cotran, Dan and Tina Napoli, Philip Sellinger and Gerry Biller are ready to disco.
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Cirque Vertigo dancers Danielle Miller and Nadia Guadagnini have great moves and a fab view.
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Suzanne Cahall, Kerry Walsh, Kasie Marini and Gina Marini
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Dave and Leyla Smith
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Diane Michel did not just peace out with Howard Stern - it's the fabulous Angelo Sifakes.
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Tom Waters and Brittany Najmy-Lambiris
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Renee from Michael's On East serves up some pop with her signature smile.
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Last year's Make-A-Wish recipient Daliany Leon, 16, speaks about her wish for a trip to Paris coming true and thanks everyone for their support.
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Linda Krysinski
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Terri Klauber addresses her guests at the 16th Annual Cooking for Wishes event on Feb. 19.
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Melissa Howard and Scott Moore
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The pyrotechnics caused Renee Phinney and Lauren McComb Dixon to jump towards stage left when the sparks started to fly!
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Make-A-Wish recipient Keegan Hipsher is the center of attention at the 16th Annual Cooking for Wishes event.
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Linda and Dr. Thomas Doan with this year's recipient, Keegan Hipsher, who just found out that his wish for a trip to Switzerland has been granted.
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Phil Mancini says "light the burners!" and explains the details and events of the mass cooking that is about to take place.
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Michael's On East Chef Jamil Pineda instructs the guest chefs who prepare the food for each table.
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Jennifer Allen is ready to cook as Patrick Duggan gets started on his dish.
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Tom Koski cooks up some fun with wife, Sherry, and Terri Klauber.
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Michael's On East Chef Jamil Pineda leads the amateur chefs in cooking their dinner.
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Harry Leopold
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Greg Willit and Starr Humpheries
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Heather Charles gets a dash of cumin for her Midnight Marrakesh fish dish.
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Jason Klamson pours clam juice or fish sauce into the pan.
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Jeffrey Karasawa records the cooking process.
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Mary Gratehouse
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Milli Ricciardelli notes the difference between her cooking and Cooking for Wishes: "I would NEVER put cinnamon in MY fish!" Virginia Harshman is sure to pass that cinnamon anyway.
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Cathy Sellers cannot help herself: dancing and digging the vibe while cooking is mandatory.
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Almost 6-year old Mila Spillone was granted her wish in 2024 and it crossed the finish line: "Mila's Wish" is a racehorse named after her. Mila and her family, including mom Lexi Frivdewald, enjoyed a weekend in Fort Lauderdale and Miami as part of Mila's wish.
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Lucy Suits, Brittany Fordham and Ashley Gruters show off their big smiles and kitchen prowess.
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The Disco 54 Band did not disappoint, with finger-snapping and clapping.
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Michael and Terri Klauber with Christine Merkent and the yet unsold pup.
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Elizabeth Giuliani cannot wait to take the pup off Terri Klauber's hands.
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Terri Klauber hands over the yet unnamed Yorkie pup to auction winner Elizabeth Giuliani. Christine Merkent is the breeder and donated the pup from Minimagic Yorkshire Terriers to Cooking for Wishes.
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Heather Charles and Laurie Carfora wait in the registration line.
