Co-Chair(s): EVENT SUB-CHAIRS: Auction: Zahara Mossman, Suszanne Kaiser Sponsorship: Candace Sheitelman Goody Bags: Nancy Herman, Mandy Zaron Entertainment: Andy Waks Program Book: Jodi Most, Jacci Seskin Restaurants: Stephanie Curtis VIP: Caryn Schwartz, Suzanne Ulrich Manpower: Marie Poo Chef Chair: Michael Bloise

Committee Members: COMMITTEE: Stephanie Ader, Barry Alberts, Adrian Ares, Angela Beltran, Pam Bernstein, Les Blumberg, Donald Braxton, Angelique Brown, Alina Buryak, Susan Carp, Chip Cassidy, Andres Citti, Lori Citti, Michael Cohen, Susi Denoroff, Rebecca Gabor, Robin Gale, Skyler Goldenberg, Joey Goldman, Thea Goldman, Gale Goldstein Tucker, Stephanie Grife, Andria Holtz, Javier Holtz, Kobi Karp, Nancy Karp, Amy Krutel, Jeffrey Krutel, Sandy Levy, Sid Levy, Amy Link, Shareef Malnik, Estee Mandel, Alice Meikle, Keith Menin, Jeremy Piven, Donald J. Pliner, Lisa Pliner, Cristina Poo, Brenda Rivera, Sonia Ryan, Eric D. Sheppard, Jennifer Sheppard, Pauly Shore, David Simkins, Nikki Simkins, Jonathan Singer, Rocky Stein, Susie Stein, Charlene Thomas, Chris Tucker, William Walker, Marjorie Wilkoff, Leslie Wolfson, Robert Zuckerman

President(s): Robert A. Pearlman, President & CEO of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation

Patrons:

Music: Live music by "The Fit"

Of note: Official Event Poster "Martini Nights" by Jill Clifford

Sponsors: Wine Spectator, Rand Eye Institute, Southern Wine & Spirits of South Florida, Premier Beverage Company, National Distributing Company, Inc., Dr. Floyd & Jacci Seskin, FLOSUSA, COMCAST, Love 94 – 93.9 Smooth Jazz, The Miami Herald, Crown Wine & Spirits, Vincent Van Gogh Vodka, Carnival Cruise Lines, Biorep Technologies, FRANZ/FRANK Design Group. SUPPORTING SPONSORS: American Printing Arts, Amy & Andy Link, ANDRIX Corporation, Aquarius Press, Artisicolor, Aventura Mall, Barbar & Dennis Amoils and Linda & Jay Finkelstein, Barbara & Tod Berman,Berman Mortgage, Candace & Michael Sheitelman, Cassidy & Black, Davi Boas, C.P.A., P.A., David Walker, Dr. Randy Furshman, GL Homes, Isaac Industries, Jim & Katherine Hurley, Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design, Mase & Lara, Melissa & Mario Grosfeld, Mellon United National Bank, Merrill Lynch, Mike Zager, Nancy & Jeff Herman, Rex Three, Inc., Steve Cronig, Suniland Press, Inc., Taylor & Mathis, The Most & Lieberman Families, Triagraphix, Vagasinsider.com, Waks & Barnett

Special Thanks: Chip Cassidy, Donna Fitts, Jill Clifford, Joe Setticase, Johnson & Wales, Kimberly Spence, Marita Leonard, Oscar Sotolongo, Patrick Cassidy, Rachel Klein Muller - ME Productions, Radisson Hotel Miami, Rick Riesgo, Roxana Garciga, The Produce Connection, Valerie Sands

Blacktie Photos by: Ginny Fujino

Barbar Amois, Honoree Joey Krutel and Sheryl Sulkin, Director of Special Events Diabetes Research Institute Foundation
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100’s of Guests, 100’s of Auction Items, 100’s of wines sampled and food tasted and 100’s of accolades for the 15th Annual Feast Among the Grapes Honoree, Joseph A. “Joey” Krutel.

Joey has raised THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS for the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation through his tireless efforts and commitment to help find a cure for diabetes and bring more awareness of this often-fatal disease. The 15th Annual Feast Among the Grapes, held at The Radisson Hotel Miami, featured vintage domestic and imported wines, a Martini Bar, a taste of South Florida’s finest restaurants, dancing and live music by “The Fit” and a silent auction.

A special “VIP” section sponsored by Rand Eye Institute featured culinary delights and luscious deserts, fine champagnes and wines, specialty drinks and spirits, an exclusive preview of special auction items, door prizes, goody bags and more. Honoree, Joseph "Joey" Krutel, lost his father, Fred Krutel, to diabetes-related complications two years ago. Even before that “he knew how important it was to eradicate this devastating and horrific disease”, said his mother Amy Krutel and bother Jeff Krutel.

He has worked tirelessly to promote the events that will help bring more contributions and served on various committees, including the DRI Golf & Tennis Classic. He brought to the events new sponsors and one-of-a-kind auction items to increase the level of contributions. He has brought a fresh new face to the community and garnered more support for finding a cure.

Shadowing Joey around the Feast Among the Grapes event, one could witness the genuine enthusiasm and affection shown by family, guests, friends, sponsors and other supporters for his cause. His charisma, charm, good looks and enthusiasm plus his love for his Father and strong dedication are powerful magnets to attract others to assist in the fight to finding a cure for diabetes. He is a shining example of how others can give of themselves. Joey is indeed one of a kind and is a “Poster Boy” for South Florida to show his peers, the younger generation, that it is indeed “cool” to work for a cause. He shows that it can be rewarding and fun at the same time. The presentation of the plaque to Joey by the DRI Foundation was the highlight of the night and everyone joined the tribute with lively dancing to "The Fit". It was a very successful night for Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.

Participating Restaurants: 3030 Ocean Restaurant, Azul at the Mandarin Oriental, Barrio Latina, Bizcaya Restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Cacao Restaurant, Café Ragazzi, Café Sambal, Carltons Restaurant & Lounge, CrepeMaker, Dippin’ Dots, Joanna’s Marketplace, Kefi, LaEstanciaArgentina, Neomi’s Grill at the Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort, North One 10, PAUL Bakery & Café, Perricone’s Marketplace, Schakolad Chocolate Factory, Shula’s Steak House at the Alexander Hotel, The Betsy Ross Hotel, The Boutique Kitchen, The Forge, The Melting Pot, Timo, Touch, Tropical Chinese Restaurant, Wish at The Hotel BEVERAGES: Antigal Bodegas y Vinedos, Blend Wine & Spirits, Cantina Italiana, LLC, Celsius Calorie Burning Energy Drink, Centerra Wine Company (Ravenswood & Turner Road Collection), Centerra Wine (Robert Mondavi Collection), Evian Natural Spring Water, Francis Copploa Presents Winery, Nestle Waters North America, Oyster Bay Wines, USA, Peninsula Beverage, LLC, Shaw-Ross International, South African Premium Wines, The Republic of Tea, Trinchero Family Estates, Van Gogh Vodka, Zyr Russian Vodka