After tasting fabulous hors d’oeuvres and scrumptious desserts prepared by the best chefs Southwest Florida has to offer, guests at the Third Annual Glass Slipper Ball had a hard decision to make. But in the end, they voted The Capital Grille for the second year in a row as the People’s Choice Best Overall award.
In a hard-fought contest between the 19 chefs who participated in the Ball, sponsored by the Zonta Club of Bonita Springs, Inc. to raise funds to fight violence against women, guests also voted Solo Chef, Inc. Personal Chef & Catering Services as serving the Best Appetizer and Irresistible Confections the Best Dessert. The Ball was held last Friday (November 18, 2011) at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples.
The Capital Grille delighted guests with Kona Crusted Filet Mignon with Caramelized Shallot Butter and Lobster Mac ‘N’ Cheese. Solo Chef served Chicken and Waffles with our Own Twist while Irresistible Confections presented an Assortment of Truffles, Chocolate Champagne Mousse and Cabernet Sipping Chocolate.
“This was an amazing, successful event, a truly magical evening,” says Patty Gift, Club President. “The chefs, who so generously donated their services, prepared some of the finest bites and desserts I have ever tasted. Our 300 plus guests thoroughly enjoyed our beautiful Glass Slipper inspired decorations, our lovely pumpkin coach, the fantastic silent and live auction items and the great dance music provided by the Brett Foreman Band.
“Importantly, as a result, we are going to be able to award substantial grants to local non-profits who work hard to protect area women from all forms of violence including domestic and sexual abuse and human trafficking.
“This all would not have been possible without the outstanding support we received from companies who sponsored this special evening and those who contributed auction items and stunning floral decorations including Occasions of Naples, Driftwood Garden Center, The Ritz Carlton Resort of Naples and Whole Foods.
“The evening exceeded our expectations and we could not have done it without the tremendous community support we received. We particularly need to thank Comcast Spotlight, our Gold Sponsor; CamTell Multimedia, our Silver Sponsor; and Gulfshore Business, the Naples Daily News and Pinnacle Vodka, our Bronze sponsors,” says Ms. Gift. “We also need to thank the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort and its staff for hosting our Ball and for their assistance and all the hard work they put into ensuring our event went smoothly and was a success.”
During the Ball, Trish Leonard, a prominent area businesswoman, who for the past 30 years has tirelessly given from her heart supporting local charitable and civic causes, was honored as the Club’s 2011-2012 Woman of the Year. Ms. Leonard is a past Club President, Director of Marketing for Florida Gulf Coast University’s Small Business Development Center Office (SBDC) and President of TLC Marketing and Creative Services, her own firm.
