Miami Lakes, FL – The Orange Bowl Committee will hold its annual Orange Bowl Impact and Excellence (OBIE) Awards: A Taste of South Florida presented by Florida Blue and supported by Publix Super Markets on May 30, 2014 at the Broward County Convention Center located at 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL. The OBIEs will feature a night of extraordinary food, entertainment and giving as we celebrate those who share Orange Bowl's values in giving back to the South Florida community.
This year the OBIEs will be a culinary experience headlined by a group of celebrity chefs and outstanding restaurants. A number of South Florida's top restaurants will be offering tastings and competing to capture the title of best chef/restaurant as chosen by the patrons. The evening will be hosted by South Florida radio legend Paul Castronovo from the Paul & Young Ron Morning Show on Big 105.9. Musical entertainment will be provided by Miami's own DJ Cruz.
Among the celebrity chefs and restaurants committed to the event are Ralph Pagano, executive chef/owner of Naked Taco and Alba Seaside Italian, and a regular contributor to Castronovo's radio program. Also expected to be in attendance is Paula DaSilva, executive chef at 3030 Ocean at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Both Pagano and DaSilva appeared on FOX's popular show, Hell's Kitchen, with DaSilva earning runner-up honors on season five. Other featured restaurants include Fort Lauderdale's popular YOLO and S3, both of which recently landed on OpenTable's prestigious Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America, based on diners' reviews.
Over the years, the Orange Bowl has been able to give millions of dollars back to the South Florida community through support of intercollegiate athletics, education, events, organizations and causes, in addition to the tremendous economic impact it provides. At this year's event, more than $100,000 will be invested into South Florida youth and sports. The Make-a-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida and Special Olympics Florida will both receive $25,000. Several high school senior student athletes will receive scholarships and additional proceeds will go toward the Orange Bowl the Leadership and Character Academy, which is scheduled to launch a pilot program in the fall.
The Orange Bowl will also recognize two individuals for the impact they have made in the community and youth sports with the Orange Bowl Keith Tribble Impact Award and the Orange Bowl Jr. Courage Award.
Florida Blue has partnered with the Orange Bowl sponsoring the annual benefit for the last decade. Joining Florida Blue to celebrate scholastic achievement and outstanding community service is supporting sponsor Publix Super Markets. Additional event sponsors include AutoNation, Deloitte, FedEx Express, Gold Coast Beverage Distributors, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, Stella Artois, Sun Life Stadium / Miami Dolphins and TD Bank.
For more information or to purchase VIP or general admission tickets, please call 305-341-4701 or go to www.orangebowl.org.
