The numbers are finally in. Last week's Cheers for Charity event, which took place from Sunday though Thursday, raised $265,000 for six local children's charities.
The five-day food festival culminated with the worldwide dinner trend Diner en Blanc, which had hundreds of people dining in white attire, at all white tables. Clean Plate Charlie had the chance to catch up with Cheers for Charity Chair, Tim Petrillo.
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"We were very pleased with the events," Petrillo said. "It was our first 'Cheers for Charity' and we figured out ways to make even better for the next year. My phone has been going nuts from guests who attended the dinner [Diner en Blanc] and are absolutely raving about the party."
Aside from the Diner en Blanc dinner, all events were held at the Riverside Hotel. Events included Sunday's kick-off Sake & Sushi; Monday's Gems Tasting, a food and wine pairing event; Tuesday's Mixology Madness, a cocktail competition amongst local mixologists'; and Wednesday's Bubblicious.
Rocco's Tacos took home first place for Mixology Madness, followed by Rok Burger in second place, and Johnny V's for third.
Restaurants participating in Diner en Blace were American Social, Caffé Europa, Mangos Noodles Panini, SoLita, Timpano and Yolo.
Overall, the event brought in $265,000. According to Petrillo, "As a first time event we are very pleased." Petrillo's main goal is to grow the festival over the years, as a means to showcase Fort Lauderdale's restaurant scene and culinary talent.
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