With guidelines for safely gathering changing every day and COVID-19 vaccine administration underway, the decision was made to organize a different kind of Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival experience for 2021 and the 14th annual event offers guests a menu of specially curated and controlled offerings, while still celebrating the talents of the area’s brilliant and resilient food & beverage scene.  

Sarasota-Manatee Originals is auctioning off more than 100 distinctive “lots” with a total value over $50K during their Forks & Corks Food and Wine Auction. The swank collection includes rare and exquisite wines, international and domestic travel, special dining and party experiences, lodging, entertainment, and other one-of-a-kind experiences. The virtual “paddle raise” will help the organization make their projected fundraising goals as all the monies raised from the Sarasota-Manatee Originals Forks & Corks Online Auction are dedicated to promoting and sustaining the mission and 60+ Members of the organization. 

“Forks & Corks is the primary fundraiser of the year for The Originals, bringing critical marketing dollars to the organization to promote dining in local, independently-owned restaurants,” said Michael Klauber, Founding Member of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals and this year’s Auction Chairman. “I’m truly excited and delighted by the awesome array of epicurean experiences that we have to offer in the auction,” added Klauber. “And we whole-heartedly thank every single one of our local, national and international supporters for their generosity.”

The online auction items are already available for previewing at eatlikealocal.com. The auction will close on Sunday, May 2 at 7pm.