By Rachel Galvin
On Jan. 25, JA World Huizenga Center in Coconut Creek was abuzz with people for the 4th Annual JA Uncorked, a soiree benefiting Junior Achievement (JA), which has helped children worldwide since its inception in 1919 in Colorado. The South Florida branch began in 1959 in Ft. Lauderdale.
Their goal is to inspire and educate, to prepare young students for the challenges of a global economy. They have many programs that do just that, including JA Biz Town at the Huizenga Center, which allows kids to work in a mock town complete with everything from a television studio to a bank, police station and more, completely operated by the kids, who learn valuable skills in various age-appropriate areas throughout their visit.
In 2009, the Circle of Wise Women group created JA Uncorked as a way to raise funds for JA. They exceeded their goal of raising $100,000 this year and about 800 people attended. They have raised $1,550,000 to date.
Their “Fork to Cork Affair” included a variety of wines, spirits and craft beers, as well as finely-crafted culinary selections and a “Dessert Bash.” There was even a Farm to Table section with vendors offering sustainable solutions. Guests mixed and mingled, bid on auction items, purchased raffle tickets and danced to the Edge Band in the CLUB RED by Stoli VIP Lounge hosted by the Florida Panthers Foundation.
Many students from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale helped some of the chefs.
One student, Tavares “Brody” Morgan, who worked with Ritz Carlton, could not be more excited.
He said, “I am glad when we get a chance to come to this type of event. I can get exposure and see businesses I have never heard of.”
Executive Chef of Timpano in Ft. Lauderdale Asher Roebuck, who acted as Chef Liaison, said, “This is my second year. I personally think it is a great event. Anytime you can do something for kids, I am all for it.”
To find out more about JA Uncorked, visit www.jaworlduncorked.com.
