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Published: May 07 2012

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (May 7, 2012) –  Over 250 local notables and philanthropists joined ARC Broward faculty and students in making the first annual “Delish 2012” presented by The Wasie Foundation a spectacular culinary celebration, raising over $60,000 for ARC Broward. 

The event took place at the Sunrise Civic Center Grand Ballroom on Saturday, April 27th.  Chaired by Jen Klaassens, Vice President of Programs for The Wasie Foundation, and Gale Butler, Vice President of Corporate Affairs for AutoNation, “Delish 2012” showcased the delectable culinary creations prepared by students and graduates of the ARC Broward Culinary Institute and celebrated the incredible success that the ARC Broward Culinary Institute program has proven to be.  One hundred percent of the proceeds raised during the event will support critically-needed services for children and adults with autism and intellectual disabilities and people with other challenges.
 
After being welcomed into the Civic Center’s Grand Ballroom by entertaining and engaging stilt walkers, “Delish 2012” guests, including Bank of America Market Vice President Lori Chevy, State Representative Candidate Katie Edwards, United Way of Broward County CEO Kathleen Cannon, former State Representative Susan Goldstein, and ARC Broward Board Chair Steve Pattison, among other community leaders, sipped La Croix Delish Cran-razzles (the event’s signature cocktail), and savored the fabulous culinary delights created by star chefs, students and graduates of the ARC Broward Culinary Institute.   Guests were brought to their feet for a standing ovation as Faith, Hope and Mia, three special guests from the ARC Broward Pre-school, took the dance floor by storm; and ARC Broward student Stephen Pattison helped the DJ spin the evening’s dance tunes.
 
In keeping with the evening’s theme, “Delish 2012” honored community members who have supported ARC Broward and students who have excelled in the ARC Broward Culinary Institute’s program. “Delish 2012” honorees included Individual ARC Angels – Fran and John Flynn, Corporate ARC Angel - Bank of America and Culinary ARC Angel - Kyle Merrick.  The Culinary Angel is a graduate of the ARC Broward Culinary Institute who has demonstrated incredible skill while in the program and is now a culinary professional. Kyle worked one of the food stations at the event. “Delish 2012” major sponsors included presenting sponsor The Wasie Foundation, Wood Business Systems, Panache Style, AutoNation, Seitlin, Rick Murphy and John Devine, and Doumar Allsworth.
 
The ARC Broward Culinary Institute uses food as a tool to transform lives and build stronger communities. The non-profit catering program creates outstanding culinary experiences in an ambiance of style and taste while providing real-world employment opportunities for the graduates of the Entry Level Culinary Arts Certificate Program.
 
ARC Broward is a nationally accredited, private, not-for-profit organization serving children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, and people with other challenges. Incorporated in 1956, ARC Broward provides a full continuum of services and operates several mission based enterprises with a caring team of more than 450 health-care, educational, and other professionals.  For more information, please visit www.arcbroward.com.