Restaurateurs and vintners are among The Abilities Foundation's biggest supporters, last year helping to net more than $280,000, according to Frank De Lucia, president and CEO of the nonprofit organization. Probably Pinellas County's largest and most active charity, Abilities' massive wine and food festival each year (the next one is set for March 2004) provides lucky locals with fare from 50 or so of the area's top restaurants, washed down with hundreds of different wines. Last year, the festival attracted a whopping 1,600 patrons. The foundation also does a number of wine dinners in conjunction with various restaurants. De Lucia said 91 percent of the proceeds fund services for 2,500 disabled clients.
The Abilities Foundation, 2735 Whitney Road, Clearwater, 727-538-7370 or www.abilitiesofflorida.com.
This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 1, 2003.