A Spanish red blend wine and a nine-generation chocolate butter rum cake will set the mood for the first Summer Wine Festival fundraiser.
On Sunday at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, UF will host a fundraiser to benefit the Phillips Center, Baughman Center and the University Auditorium, according to UF's Performing Arts development coordinator Lori Siegel.
The festival will showcase 16 wine and chocolate vendors who specialize in creations like Italian chocolate and cakes from chocolate butter rum to red velvet. About 10 amateur bakers will also donate cakes to the silent auction, where a total of 20 cakes will be sold. Siegel said the event was designed to be a fun and unique way to raise money.
"Ideally if we could raise $5,000 to $10,000, that would be great, but we know this is a new thing, and we won't make as much as we hope," Siegel said, adding that she expects 75 to 100 people to attend.
Judy Blachly, co-chairwoman of the fundraising committee for the performing arts, said she loves the excitement of talking to vendors about what they plan to bring.
"I'm a chocoholic," she said.
Blachly said she feels there isn't a lot going on in the summer and wants to keep people engaged in the performing arts.
"The event also allows local businesses to showcase a variety of wine, food and desserts, which can be great exposure," she said.
Magdalen Reiter, owner of the mail-order, old-fashioned liquor cake company Butterfly Limited, said she will feature her butter rum chocolate cake, a recipe of which has been passed down through generations.
"It's a family heirloom," she said.
The event will be held in the Phillip Center's two foyers and lobby from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Attendees must be 21 years old. For more information or to purchase tickets call 352- 846-3647
