Enjoy a feel good date night at one of these fabulous fundraisers dotting the calendar in Orlando this spring. From gourmet galas to wine pairing parties, these fun fêtes double as a stellar night out plus a way to support local charitable organizations.

Bacchus Bash
Friday, April 10, 5-10pm
Orlando Premium Outlets – Vineland Ave
This annual food, beverage and entertainment festival has grown to become “Orlando's Biggest Street Party” with over 70+ food and beverage booths and over 25,000 attendees. This event benefits Central Florida Hospitality Education.
Tickets are free; food and drink additional.

Orlando Magic Brings Hope
Friday, April 10, 5:45-7pm
Amway Center
Join the Orlando Magic and Global Hope Network International in bringing hope to impoverished villagers around the world. Purchase a discounted ticket to the April 10 Magic home game vs. the Toronto Raptors at ghni.org/us and you're invited to a free, family-friendly pre-game reception with dinner and drinks.
$35

RBTW Poster PrintSpring Swirl
Saturday, April 18, 7:30 pm
Discovery Cove
Attendees will enjoy a wonderful evening filled with great food, wine and entertainment – all to benefit some of the most vulnerable children and families in Central Florida.
Tickets from $125

Back-to-School Blast
Saturday, April 18, 6:30 – 10:30pm
Rosen Shingle Creek
Take a trip down memory lane and remember what it’s like to be a kid again in our one-of-a-kind playroom. Enjoy delectable food, plenty of libations, celebrity sightings and fabulous entertainment. Proceeds from this event will help 180,000 kids in need.
Tables are $900 (reserved seating for 10) and individual tickets are $100 (open seating)

Reading between the Wines 2015: Featuring Tim Dorsey
Wednesday, April 22, 2015 6pm -9:30pm
Orlando Science Center
An intimate evening of wine-tasting and food sampling featuring an in-depth presentation by New York Times best-selling author Tim Dorsey and a silent auction. 100% of the proceeds goes directly to the Adult Literacy League.
General admission tickets are $85 ($100 after March 31st)

Taste of Pointe Orlando
Sunday, April 19, 2-5pm
Pointe Orlando
Enjoy samplings of food from Pointe Orlando restaurants including: Adobe Gila’s, Copper Canyon Grill, Funky Monkey Bistro & Bar, The Pub, Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar, B.B. King’s Blues Club, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, Marlow’s Tavern and Taverna Opa. Proceeds benefit the Florida Hospital Esophageal Cancer Program.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the event.

The Art of the Vine
Friday, April 24, 6pm
Fields BMW
The 14th Annual Art of the Vine features outstanding cuisine from a selection of the best upscale restaurants in the Orlando area, as well as an exceptional assortment of wines, martinis and beers. Presentations by exhibiting artists will showcase their original works throughout the event.This event benefits New Hope for Kids, a specialized community resource in Central Florida for children coping with a life-threatening illness or grieving the death of a loved one.
Tickets are $85 in advance/$100 at the door

Gourmet Soiree
Sunday, May 3, 5:30-8:30pm
Rosen Shingle Creek Resort
This event will feature a reception, live and silent auctions and a unique opportunity for you and your guests to prepare a healthy meal alongside your personal table chef.

23rd Annual Chef's Gala
Saturday, May 16, 6:45pm – 10pm
Epcot World Showplace
Recognized as the region's premier food and wine pairing event, Heart of Florida United Way Chef's Gala features exquisite cuisine from more than 20 of Central Florida's top chefs, along with thoughtfully paired fine wines, live music and a silent auction.
Individual tickets are $275; Couples ticket is $500

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At a recent Chef's Gala media preview, we sampled several of the dishes that will be prepared on May 16, including this rock shrimp dish by Jared Gross, Chef de Cuisine at Urban Tide.

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Mariano Vegel, Chef de Cuisine at Primo, will present a Duck Confit and Kumquat Sandwich at Chef's Gala.

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The Root Vegetable Gnocchi by Chef Kevin Fonzo of K is sure to be a stand-out at Chef's Gala. It was spectacular.

chef's gala
Save room for dessert at Chef's Gala… there will be dozens of them including this Ghanaian Chocolate & Passion Fruit Milk Tart prepared by Amanda Lauder, Party Chef at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

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Chef Anthony Krueger of blu on the avenue allowed us a sneak peek tasting of his Illy Crusted Beef Tenderloin, another highly anticipated dish for Chef's Gala on May 16.