The 28th Annual Bank of America Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration, downtown Fort Lauderdale’s premier gourmet fundraiser, was held on October 18 at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS). It was a banner year for fine food and spirits as gastronomes and philanthropists had an opportunity to enjoy the best of South Florida’s restaurants and international spirits during this epicurean evening to benefit MODS’ mission of connecting people to inspiring science. “We are delighted to welcome back the South Florida community for this unprecedented second opportunity this year to enjoy even more fine wine, spirits and gourmet creations with flavors from top tier restaurants,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. “Moving forward, foodies can mark their calendars for this exceptional event to benefit MODS’. Innovative, educational and inspiring STEM-based programming will be held annually in the fall. We’d like to thank Bank of America, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits and our incredible network of supporting sponsors and culinary partners, for helping us bring this celebration to life.” The event’s legendary Grand Tasting featured scrumptious bites, small plates and desserts from more than 30 of South Florida’s leading restaurants and a sampling of more than 50 wines and spirited libations courtesy of our exclusive beverage sponsor, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. A variety of craft beers flowed from Florida’s favorite breweries and beyond courtesy of Gold Coast Beverage in the Beer Garden. VIP ticket-holders had early access to sample the incredible array of offerings. This edition’s restaurant participants included both returning and new experiences to choose from: Another Fare to Remember, Arc Broward, B & D Trap (BBQ), The Cake Lovers, Chez Gourmet, Crepe-Maker, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop, Frank Pepe Pizzeria of Plantation, Fresh Kitchen, Hoffman’s Chocolates, JC Beans Café, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Dick’s Last Resort, La Mexicana Taco Bar, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Oceanic, Red Chair Catering, Seasons 52, Swirl Wine Bistro, Tarpon River Brewing, Tasteful Thoughts, Union Kitchen & Bar, and more. Guests also had the opportunity to bid on an array of luxury items including travel getaways, local entertainment packages, celebrity sports memorabilia, and more during the silent auction. “Bank of America believes that investing in science and education has a positive impact on our lives and the Broward County community,” said Lori Chevy, president, Bank of America Fort Lauderdale. “By supporting MODS’ community programs, exhibits and outreach through sponsorship of the 28th Annual Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration, we are helping to ensure everyone has access to the best of South Florida’s culture.”Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 58 million verified digital users. Founded in 1976 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility.