The Food Network hosting 4 Day Live Events with Silent & Live Charity Auctions!!!

What better combination but Good Food, Wine, and Live and Silent Auctions?????

A live and online silent auction at this year's Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival is poised to be one of the most talked about events at the four day affair. With last year's auction raising over a quarter million dollars, and this year it is expected to soar to new, record breaking numbers.

Net proceeds from the auction benefit Florida International University's School of Hospitality & Tourism Management Teaching Restaurant and its Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center.

The Food Network's South Beach Wine & Food Festival ( in it's 6th year)presented by Food & Wine Magazine , takes place on Thursday, February 22nd to Sunday, February 25th, 2007. Alex Durant, Auction Coordinator, says this auction is becoming a star studded event, with donations from Hollywood, the wine and food industry majors, local businesses, technology and fashion. Imagine bidding on dining and concert experiences with Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray, and Billy Joel. Wow what great auction items just in time for Valentines Day.

The online auction has reached over 250,000 people nationwide: www.sobeauction.cmarket.com

If you are in the area -other events during this weekend include: the Fontainebleau Resort Presents Wine Spectator's Best of the Best Sponsored by Bank of America, Moet & Chandon BubbleQ Hosted by Al Roker and Friends, Kellogg's Kidz Kitchen, the Publix Grand Tasting Village with culinary seminars hosted by Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, Emeril Lagasse, Paula Deen, Tyler Florence and more, the Tribute Dinner in Honor of Eric Ripert and Maguy Le Coze, and the Amstel Light Burger Bash.

Visit www.sobewineandfoodfest.com for more festival information