One of the major ways local charities raise money is by luring wealthy benefactors to posh events with the promise of gourmet food made and donated by the area's top chefs and restaurateurs. ...more

January 11, 2009

EVENTS CHEF ROAST: Chef Tom Pritchard's legendary contributions to the culinary and charitable communities will be recognized with a reception, wine dinner and roast at The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 6:30 to 10 p.m. Jan. 12. Proceeds benefit the Abilities Foundation and will fund its Disabled Veterans Job Placement Program. Cost is $100 a person; $1,250 per corporate table. For reservations and information, call (727) 538-7370, ext. 345, or go to www.abilitiesfoundation.com. ...more

January 4, 2009

EVENTS FALL WINE DINNER: Bern's Fine Wines & Spritis, 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, will host a dinner featuring wines of German winemaker, Ernst Loosen, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday. Cost is $125 per person; (813) 250-9463. ...more

November 9, 2008

Events VEGAN DINNER: Morae's Cafe, 1441 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa; 7 p.m. Tuesday. Tampa Bay Vegetarians will meet for a vegan dinner; $12 for members, $14 for nonmembers. For reservations, call (727) 524-3879 or (813) 269-4665, or go to www.tampabayvegetarians.org. ...more

October 26, 2008

EVENTS DOG TREATS: Chefs on the Loose, 3401 Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, will host a Sidewalk Doggie Party. Bring your dog for some treats on its sidewalk patio, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Call (813) 835-7300 for information. ...more

October 12, 2008

Events GRILL AND CHILL: SideBern's, 2208 W. Morrison Ave., Tampa, will offer a summer celebration of beer and barbecue on its patio, 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday; $45. Call (813) 258-2233, or register at www.bernsfinewines.com. ...more

August 6, 2008

Events FUNDRAISER: Fine Wine & Spirits Warehouse will host a benefit for the Hillsborough Head Start Community Foundation. The wine tasting will be at the home of Mike Kwasin, 3613 S. Beach Drive, Tampa, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday; $25 per person, $40 per couple. Call (813) 837-8941. ...more

July 30, 2008

Events LA FOGATA CHURRASCARIA: 2832-2838 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, will host a dinner featuring Spanish food and wine, 6:30 to 9 p.m. tonight. Guest speaker will be Pablo Pelaez. This event will benefit the Abilities Foundation; $89. Call (727) 327-4200. ...more

July 23, 2008

Events TASTY FREEBIES: Williams-Sonoma at Westfield Citrus Park mall will host a free demonstration and tasting of Mediterranean fare made by guest chef Louis Pappas Jr. at noon Saturday. ...more

July 16, 2008

Events CHARLIE'S WINE BAR: 533 S. Howard Ave., Tampa; (813) 250-1967. These events are scheduled: ...more

July 9, 2008