Education Never Tasted So Fine Atanas and Nick Caramelli of Fattoria La Ripa
SHAYNE HEBERT • @ABCWINESHAYNE • SHAYNEH@ABCFWS.COM
I
n case you didn’t attend the incredible Taste
for Learning event on November 7, you might want to mark your calendar for the next soiree in May 2017. Easily one of the best attended events we sponsor, and certainly the most elegant, this annual fundraiser has it all. From cuisine presented by many of the top eateries in the area, to more wines than you can imagine, including dozens of spirits and cordials, the legend of this event continues to grow not only
I mention there were couches scattered
for Learning, donating their gorgeous resort
throughout? I found them quickly!
venue, food, service and many extras. Over the
The event, which draws hundreds of attendees each year, benefits two local entities, the Valencia Foundation and Orlando Health. I sat down with the chair of both to chat about
years, dozens of local chefs have contributed their cuisine, and hundreds of vintners and spirits producers have poured their best products to an average of 800 guests.
the benefit of this event for the community
Over the past 10 years, Taste for Learning has
and the importance of the monies raised for
generated nearly $2.9 million, which supported
their cause.
2,600 scholarships for students in need, as well as $300,000 invested in community healthcare.
for the educational funding it provides to two
The scholarships are designated to individuals
local beneficiaries, but also because it offers
who are the first in their families to attend
something for everyone.
college. For many students, scholarships make
Early arrivals were treated to a glass of bubbly
the difference in their ability to afford college.
as they perused the auction items, waiting for
A few words from recipients of these
the event to begin. At 7 p.m. the doors opened,
scholarships:
and guests enjoyed nearly 400 wines, spirits, craft beers, close to a dozen popular local
“As a first-generation college student,
restaurants serving wonderful specialties, and
I work hard in order to get the education
live music.
my parents were not fortunate enough to get,” explained Valencia sophomore Salomon
I made it a point to sample everything being
Valladares, who plans to ultimately become a
served… food that is! Disney brought their
doctor of neuro-radiology. “I appreciate the
cooking show-quality set and served braised
sacrifices my parents made and will not squan-
short ribs and pork belly Bolognese over wild
der this opportunity. This experience will not
mushroom risotto. It was better than what
only benefit my life but will also allow me to
you can imagine! I next tried T-Rex’s creamy
“Valencia is so grateful to Jess Bailes and the
lobster bisque in puff pastry. I was feeling a
ABC Fine Wine & Spirits family for their
little tightening in the waist but still had such
amazing generosity over the past 27 years,”
a long way to go! I pressed on, wine in hand. A
said Geraldine Gallagher, President and CEO
Land Remembered offered short ribs w/Barolo
of the Valencia Foundation. A total investment
Lindsey Pressa, whose parents immigrated to
reduction on garlic mashed potatoes; Bubba-
of $500,000 in students has resulted in schol-
American from Haiti and had no real chance to
lous made a pulled pork sundae with pork,
arships and an endowed professorship to serve
attend college, said, “Despite my fear of failing,
slaw and baked beans that was off the charts;
students with physical challenges. Another
despite my parents’ lack of opportunity, despite
Yak & Yeti offered a sriracha fish taco of fresh
2,600 students received scholarships through
the trials and tribulations I will be facing in the
cod; Rainforest Café kicked it up with smoked
Taste for Learning.
future, I keep pushing. The journey I am on is
brisket and bacon onion jam; Mi Casa Tequila Tacqueria offered beef, chicken and fish tacos; Cala Bella had veal and mozzarella meatball sliders; for dessert the Hard Rock Café had cannoli with tiramisu cupcakes. Oooph! Did
In 2005, Valencia Foundation treasurer, Jess Bailes, introduced the concept of a fundraising event that relied 100% on in-kind donations.
care of me. Thank you for this great gift and know that I will never forget your kindness.”
nothing close to easy, but when the right people come along (people like you), it is impossible to give up.”
In a series of eight events that occur every 18
Join us for the next Taste for Learning event
months, the formula has held true. Rosen Shingle
in May 2017!
Creek joined the partnership for the third Taste wine journal | 14
take care of my parents just like they have taken