A BIG Taste of Success

For Immediate Release

Contact: Aleisha Garcia

772-283-8373

agarcia@mentorbig.org

A BIG Taste of Success

Stuart, FL (April 9, 2012) – Thanks to the generosity of the community The 16th Annual Big Taste helped raise over $85,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) local mentoring programs. The Big Taste, sponsored by Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, Beard, Sobel, Bush and McCluskey (Fox Wackeen Dungey) welcomed more than 1,000 excited attendees to The Evergreen Club for a night of culinary delights to benefit a most deserving cause. The Big Taste was presented in conjunction with The Big Golf Tournament, sponsored by Bayview Construction.

The Big Taste Honorary Chair Chef Bernard Carmouche, Culinary Director for Emeril’s Florida restaurant locations was an inspiring addition to the annual event. He was so moved by the evening and the generosity of the community that he donated 2 private dinner parties for 10-12 guests to be auctioned off at the event. This live auction created a total donation of $12,000 towards Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring programs.

Thanks to Supervisor of Elections Vicki Davis contribution of electronic voting machines, the winners of The Big Taste were announced during the presentation following the auction:

·         Best Soup- Palm City Grill, for New England Clam Chowder

·         Best Salad- Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, for Fresh Mozzarella Salad

·         Best Appetizer- The Evergreen Club, for New England Mussels sautéed with roasted garlic, fresh parsley and white wine

·         Best Entrée- Martin County High School Academy of Culinary Arts for Sea Scallops with celery root puree, vegetable sauté & red pepper-orange marmalade

·         Best Dessert- Edible Spirits, for Pineapple Rum Cakes with homemade Pineapple Ice Cream

·         Best Presentation- The Evergreen Club

·         Best Beer- JJ Taylor for Samuel Adams Boston Lager

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties would like to thank the sponsors, restaurants, community and our host for making this year the best year yet,” said Stacey Brownlow, BBBS Martin County Executive Director. “Our programs are only possible because of the generosity of the community.”

Photo 1 Caption- Photo provided by Swan Photography

Front Row: (L-R) The designer of Petit Luxe Truffles, Becky Whateley and 3 Little Sisters and EZ Cooking Academy Students. Back Row: (L-R) Al Hall, President/CEO of BBBS, Bill Bee, Emeril Lagasse’s Culinary Director, Chef Bernard Carmouche, Krysti Brotherton, Little Sister and EZ Cooking Academy Chef Dan Clark.

Photo 2 Caption- Photo provided by Swan Photograpy

Local community enjoying The 16^th Annual Big Taste at The Evergreen Club in Palm City, on Tuesday March 20^th. Thanks to the generosity of the community BBBS was able to raise over $85,000 for our local mentoring programs.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

BBBS provides children facing adversity aged 6-17 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986 the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and since July 2010 in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide. BBBSA recognized CEO William P. Bee Jr. as “CEO of the Year- Small Agency Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS in 2009, and again in 2010 and again in 2011 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.