The Upper Tampa Bay Chamber Education Foundation and The Nielsen Company hosted the 13th Annual International Fine Wine and Food Festival at Nielsen’s Grand Hall in Oldsmar on April 12. The UTBC Education Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that enhances the educational and cultural opportunities for youth in the Upper Tampa Bay Area. All proceeds from the event help to fund its annual scholarships, Student of the Month and Teacher Appreciation programs.

As the guests arrived, they were serenaded by Westchase Elementary’s cast of Oliver!, which performed songs from their upcoming musical on May 27-30. Inside the Grand Hall corks were popping from The Grapevine and aromas of the best samplings from area chefs created a fabulous ambiance. On the main stage, Leto High School’s String Quartet performed while their Jazz Band livened up the candle-lit outdoor patio, overlooking a beautiful pond and fountain. Participating restaurants included Alberto’s, Dominic’s, Flamestone, Grillsmith, Jack Willie’s, Let’s Eat, The Melting Pot, Ponte’s Tuscan Grill, Sodexho and Tarpon Turtle.

A silent auction featuring sports memorabilia while a spirited live auction offered packages, including a Wine County Get-Away for Two, a 42-inch plasma HDTV, exterior and interior painting, rounds of golf and various spa services, all of which helped to raise money for the foundation.

Many thanks to our corporate sponsors, including TECO, Gulf Management Systems, Inc., Nielsen, Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, Town & Country Hospital and Tampa Bay Downs. We would also like to thank the Westchase businesses that contributed to our event: ERA Golf View Realty, Johnson & Holwell, PLLC, Legs on Loan, Chico’s, Stonechase, Catch 23, McDivot’s, Cold Stone Creamery, Serenity, Tranquility, Dr. Mercedes at Westchase and Westchase Golf Club.

Keep your calendar open for next year’s International Fine Wine and Food Gala!