15th Annual Wine on Harvest Moon

Under a full moon and king tide on October 15th, the Deering Estate presented “Akubekhule! A Culinary Safari through South Africa!” ‘Akubekhule’ means ‘cheers’ in Zulu, one of the country’s 11 national languages.

Event Chairman Howard Tendrich explained, “Wine on Harvest Moon has become the Foundation’s signature fundraising event. The awareness, attention and, of course, net proceeds raised, afford [us] the ability to support the Estate’s cultural & educational programs, historic preservation and environmental conservation efforts, key to fulfilling our mission.”

Despite a few heavy bands of rain, the elegant and lively crowd made sure their evening wasn’t dampened. The wine flowed and regional foods from Anacapri, Brio Tuscan Grille, Catering by Les, Chef Aaaron Drielinger of Chef David Schwadron Catering, Chef Drew Thomason of Devon Seafood + Steakhouse,  Chef JasonJeneson of Kona Grill, Chef David Lesser of Munch Thyme, Chef Miguel Antonio Gomez Fernández of Pisco y Nazca, Chef Terrance Daniel of Red Fish Grill, Chef Ralph Colon of Station 5 Miamiand desserts from Chef Olivier Rodriguez of the Biltmore Hotel were served.

Zoo Miami enhanced the South African theme with Ron Magill presenting Koda, the zoo’s beautiful cheetah, up close and personal to delighted partygoers. Magill was thrilled to add, “We were successful in raising critical dollars for cheetah conservation in South Africa tonight."

Woven into the evening’s festivities is an exciting high-end live auction, emceed by golfer Wayne Gary Player, co-creator of The Disney Institute Golf Experience, co-host of the Golf Channel’s “On the Range” and son of world champion golfer, South African Gary Player. The auction included a once-in-a-lifetime golf experience with Wayne and Gary Player in South Africa.

Past President of the Foundation Eric Haas remarked, “We had a very successful evening, filled with fun, friends and food. Most importantly, we didn’t let a little rain ruin our safari.”

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