WHY WE DO IT: TO BENEFIT FIU's school of hospitality and tourism management

The majority of the funds raised from the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival is allocated to a construction project fund for the expansion of FIU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management’s existing dining room into a full service Teaching Restaurant. Other revenue from the Festival is invested in the maintenance and support of the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center, a 4,500 square-foot facility that features the latest technology for beverage tasting and analysis. Additional funds are awarded as scholarships to the students of the School who demonstrate exceptional performance while volunteering in all facets of the Festival.

In addition to the tangible benefits, the students of FIU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management also receive priceless experience by volunteering for the Festival. Culinary students receive the rare opportunity to work alongside and learn from some of the most celebrated chefs in the world including Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Eric Ripert, Ferran Adria, Emeril Lagasse, Thomas Keller and Nobu Matsuhisa among others.

Students of one of the many wine classes offered at the School are also fortunate enough to work with and taste wines from the world’s most respected winemakers including Château Haut Brion’s Prince Robert of Luxembourg, Château Margaux’s Paul Pontallier and brothers Peter and Robert Mondavi who all participated in the 2007 Festival. Other students fill positions in sponsorship activation, operations, logistics, public relations, marketing and auction coordination and together offer the support to make it possible to produce a Festival of this caliber and size.