Cooking for Wishes Returns to Michael’s On East

February 16, 2022 – Sarasota

A Sarasota tradition, and one of the region’s most unique fundraisers, returns to its home Tuesday, February 22, when “Cooking for Wishes” will once again take place live at Michael’s On East. The event, a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida whose proceeds will grant life-changing wishes for critically-ill children, was a virtual event for most of its participants last year due to COVID-19 protocols.

Now in its 12^th year, Cooking for Wishes is a four-course, interactive lunch where guests at each table prepare their own meal under the direction of Executive Chef Jamil Piñeda and Phil Mancini of Michael’s on East. The luncheon features wine selected by Michael Klauber, live and silent auctions, and perspective from a family on the impact of its wish experience.  

Terri Klauber, Renee Phinney, and Kara Saunders co-chair the committee of Sarasota-based Make-A-Wish supporters that plan the annual event.

“The fundraising done at Cooking for Wishes is vital to fulfilling the Make-A-Wish mission and improving the lives of local children and families impacted by serious illnesses,” said Terri Klauber. “Because of all our efforts and the generosity of our community, we’ll deliver hope, strength, and joy to those who need it most.”

Cooking for Wishes is presented by Exceptional Dentistry of Sarasota. Wish sponsors include Kirkplan Kitchens, David and Donna Koffman, Design Works, and the Arthur S. Karp Family Foundation.

Michael’s On East is located at 1212 South East Avenue in Sarasota.

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida has granted more than 13,000 life-changing wishes since 1983 for children who have critical illnesses. It aims to grant a wish for every medically-eligible child in its territory and understands these experiences are more than nice, they’re

necessary to the health and well-being of families at a critical time in their lives.  

Wish kids most often ‘wish to be’ (something), ‘wish to meet’ (someone), ‘wish to go’ (somewhere), ‘wish to have’ (something), or ‘wish to give’ (something) and the nonprofit organization makes this happen for the child and his/her entire family at no cost or obligation.

The Southern Florida chapter’s territory includes 22 counties/four regions: the Suncoast (Sarasota, Manatee, and surrounding counties), Tampa Bay, southeast and southwest Florida. It also includes the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Follow and engage with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.