Tickets now on sale for the 11th Annual Imagine Gala presented by Lipman Produce
Tickets now on sale for the 11th Annual Imagine Gala presented by Lipman Produce
Join MasterChef Finalist Derrick Peltz as four of SWFL’s finest chefs whisk, chop and improvise their way to glory in the triumphant return of the Celebrity Chef Cook-off at the 11th Annual Imagine Gala. Get your tickets now at ISC2016.gesture.com for this annual food fight, which happens 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, March 12 at the Imaginarium Science Center, 2000 Cranford Avenue in Fort Myers. The Imagine Gala is an unforgettable evening full of surprises that benefits the Imaginarium and Southwest Florida Museum of History, and is poised to exceed last year’s record-breaking $100,000 to support those community assets.
For this very special engagement, MasterChef Finalist Derrick Peltz returns home to Fort Myers as Celebrity Judge – but even he has his work cut out for him with this year’s formidable lineup of culinary champions. Chefs James Fraser, David Rashty, Fabrice Deletrain and Ben Voisin prepare to do battle, armed with a special Fresh From Florida pantry, and a surprise ingredient that will serve up magic or mayhem. Attendees will help determine the fate of our gourmet gladiators, as they get to sample the goods and vote electronically for their favorite appetizer.
Chef Fraser is a Johnson & Wales grad whose CV includes tenures in renowned restaurants in Paris, Italy and India. For the past 10 years he has been refining the chops of our future chefs, and is an Instructor for FGCU’s Resort and Hospitality Management.
The International Culinary Center in New York City is Chef Rashty’s alma mater, and he’s got 3-star Michelin restaurants on his resume. Chef de Cuisine at Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, Rashty has worked under such prestigious names as Daniel Boulud and Jean Georges.
Chefs Deletrain and Voisin represent team Fathoms, the Cape Harbour eatery, and are the masterminds behind Black Salt Culinary catering. Deletrain studied at L’École de Paris des Métiers de la Table, and he worked with Michelin three-star chef Guy Savoy for eight years. Before joining his partner in crime, Voisin was Executive Chef at Montpelier Plantation and Beach on the Caribbean island of Nevis. Previously he managed 20 kitchen teams as Executive Sous Chef at the luxurious La Manga Club Hotel Principe Felipe in Spain. Voisin is also Executive Chef at Fathoms’ neighbor, The French Press.
Of course, as a television star, Peltz can’t resist getting into the action, and will create his very own Fresh From Florida-inspired appetizer for the crowd to enjoy. Decadent food will be passed throughout the evening. Fourteen speakers throughout the building will broadcast plenty of smack talk and play-by-plays of the cutting-edge competition, along with important announcements regarding the fabulous live and silent auction. Auction items last year included a Steamboat Springs getaway and a fabulous Caribbean vacation.
Many levels of sponsorship are available, offering exciting promotional opportunities, gala tickets, a seat on the Celebrity Cook-Off Judge’s Panel, family memberships and more. All money raised at the event benefits The Imaginarium Group and SWFL Museum of History Foundation, a 501(C)(3) organization that supports the Imaginarium and the SWFL Museum of History in raising exhibit and education program funds. Lipman Produce has once again graciously agreed to be Title Sponsor of the gala. Other sponsors include: CONRIC PR & Marketing, EnSite, FGCU, Myers Brettholtz, and The News-Press Media Group.
About the Imaginarium Science Center
The Imaginarium Science Center is a family-friendly science center and aquarium offering fun interactive exhibits and a 3-D theatre. The mission is to engage guests in the exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through hands-on exhibit experiences and educational programs that further the understanding of the natural and human-made world, foster an appreciation for Southwest Florida’s unique environment and natural waterways, and nurture intellectual curiosity, discovery, and innovation. For more information, visit www.i-sci.org.
About the SWFL Museum of History
The SWFL Museum of History The Southwest Florida Museum of History is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of history and traditions, with particular emphasis on Fort Myers and Southwest Florida. Exhibits showcase the region’s rich history, from prehistoric to modern day. For more information, visit www.MUSEUMofHISTORY.org.
Two great museums come together!
The Imaginarium Science Center and the SWFL Museum of History have been under joint leadership for nearly a decade, but are now planning a new museum experience. Get a sneak peek as to where that path may lead at this joint fundraising event. It is sure to make history and blaze new trails into the future!