Ann Storck Center Celebrated its 30th Annual Rockin’ Celebrity Chefs Event
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- 3 min read
Turning up the heat, and the volume! The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood set the stage for Ann Storck Center's 30th Annual Rockin’ Celebrity Chefs Event on Friday, Feb. 6.
Over 450 of South Florida’s community leaders, philanthropists and influencers got a backstage pass to tastings from over 20 of South Florida’s top restaurants, breweries, and bakeries – all to support the rockstars of Ann Storck Center, a Fort Lauderdale-based private nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Fans of Ann Storck Center, including Bravo’s Below Deck’s Captain Lee, raised over $240,000, awareness, and “glasses” for Ann Storck Center’s mission, which is throughout all its 14 programs and services to discover ability and build independence so that individuals live happier, more independent, fulfilling lives. Ann Storck Center accommodates 96 residents and serves more than 500 individuals daily through an array of critical care, learning and ability-focused programs.
From sizzling skillets to rockstar spirits, guests enjoyed food tastings from featured restaurants, including Abiaka from the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, Mimi's Ravioli, Hugh’s Catering, Bravo Peruvian Kitchen, Bravo Mar, Eat Hellenic, Tarpon River Catering, South Bar & Grill, Howard's Market Catering, DiSalvo’s Pizza and Italian, Mojo Donuts, Eatz, Batch, CrepeMaker, Bob Roth's New River Groves, Tarpon River Brewing, Tasteful Thoughts, Blue Tree Café, Mindful Spread, Georgia Pig, Kids of Love, and Chef Paul from Personal Chef Service. Guests sipped, savored, and rocked the night away with an open bar from Republic National Distributing Company and a custom “Heartini” cocktail sponsored by Tito's. Bravo's “Below Deck” Chef Anthony Iracane hosted a live cooking demonstration.
From the stage to the heart, Ann Strock Center Director of Philanthropy and Community Relations, Sarah Depante, CFO, Tonita Gregory Williams, and Chief Operating Officer, Cathea Comiskey, welcomed and rocked the crowd. Showstopper Florida Panthers Arena host Aaron “The Speaker” Shapiro, alongside Rock With U Entertainment, commanded the stage and electrified the crowd. Ann Storck Center’s heARTS Music Therapy Department delivered an exceptional musical performance to start the show.
Headlining the event was NBC’s The Voice Season 27 winner Adam David, with his band. David is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose soulful sound and magnetic stage presence have made him one of the most compelling emerging artists in contemporary music. Hailing from South Florida, Adam rose to national acclaim as the winner of The Voice Season 27, where he captivated millions with his heartfelt performances and masterful musicianship—ultimately securing back-to-back victories for coach Michael Bublé. With a voice that effortlessly blends smooth soul and gritty blues, and guitar chops honed since the age of eight, Adam channels the spirit of icons like Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, and Stevie Wonder while bringing a sound that’s distinctly his own.
Ann Storck Center honored VIPs Howard Usher with the Lifetime Legacy Award and Howard Adkin with the Community Leadership Award.
While hearing special stories from Ann Storck Center families, supporters had the opportunity to “Bid for Kids” through donations and participate in a silent and live auction featuring high-end items and exceptional luxury experiences.
Since its inception, Ann Storck Center’s Celebrity Chefs event has raised nearly $6 million to support Ann Storck Center.
“Organizing our 30th Anniversary Celebrity Chefs is truly a rockstar effort,” said CEO Patricia (Pat) Murphy. “For three decades, this event has been powered by heart, passion and true headliners, our board members, donors, and restaurant partners. This milestone celebration wouldn’t be possible without the people who help us amplify our mission and rock the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities.”
“There’s nowhere else you can experience this many incredible restaurants on one stage,” she continued. “We are beyond grateful to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and the phenomenal restaurants that come together to give back to the community. When we unite, we don’t just make noise, we make a difference.”
The 30th Annual Celebrity Chefs Event was chaired by Susan Renneisen and Roz Perlmutter.
Ann Storck Center thanks its generous sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and Gold Gourmet Sponsors, Fox Rothchild, Fritch Foundation, The Perlmutter Family and Memorial Healthcare System.