Breast cancer is a word that has crept into the fibers of most of our lives. It seems an inevitable part of reality that most of us, in some way or another will be effected by this disease either personally, through a relative, a friend, or co-worker. Thankfully my own mother has not had to face the disease, but sadly, two of her sisters have had to, and lost their battles. Fortunately, with much research and education today, the two words are no longer a death sentence, and most effected will not be fighting alone.
The event ‘Caliza Goes Pink’ began five years ago when Executive Chef Kevin Korman first came on board at Caliza restaurant and wanted to do something special to honor his mother fighting her own battle with breast cancer. Korman decided since he could not be with her during her illness, he could bring awareness to the cause by offering a five-course dinner built around cancer-fighting foods and ingredients in order to raise funds for research. Korman says, “This year is especially overwhelming emotionally, as my mother, a fighter and survivor is celebrating her tenth anniversary being cancer free and clear!”
Now in its fifth anniversary, the town of Alys Beach glows in pink yet again, while ‘Caliza Goes Pink’ is branching out to donate 80 percent of the proceeds raised. What used to be a one-night dinner and has now spread into a month-long, town-wide breast cancer awareness and fundraising effort. Until October 31st on Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30pm-10:00pm , Korman is preparing a special five-course pre-fixe menu, again incorporating cancer-fighting ingredients for $65 per person, with diners enjoying the meal under the pink glittering lights. Korman says, “Food can be healthy and delicious. Every course will have four to five ingredients linked to cancer fighting properties. It’s a great way to educate our patrons while also giving back.”
Getting in on the action, Caliza’s bar is offering a pink specialty craft cocktail, Fonville showcases two specialty pink drinks on its menu, while Charlie’s Donuts is offering pink donuts for the month, and Piper’s Kitchen is selling mixed-berry funnel cakes. “The response to the Alys Beach event has been overwhelmingly positive. Guests really enjoy the detailed care we have taken in creating the menu at Caliza; and we make a point to incorporate statistics.” Chef Kevin says proudly.
“The Caliza Experience” raffle extends Alys Beach’s commitment to this cause by offering a three-night stay in a three bedroom Alys Beach home, a five-course dinner with wine pairing at Caliza Restaurant for six, three-day bike rentals for six, $40 gift certificate for Fonville Press, a private shopping experience for up to six people with champagne and $400 shopping credit to the Alys Shoppe, a Slow and Low Coastal Outfitters kayak fishing trip for two, and two tickets to the 30A Wine Festival at Alys Beach. Raffle tickets are $25 for one ticket, $100 for five tickets, $250 for fifteen tickets and can be purchased at the Alys Shoppe, the Bike Shop, Caliza Restaurant, and Fonville Press. Chef Korman will draw the winner on November 3rd, 2014. The winner need not be present to win.
Last year raised just over $4000,000 and this year Alys Beach hopes to raise between $6-8,000.000. Proceeds will go to the Maryland affiliate of Susan G Komen, a treatment and research facility that cared for Korman’s mother, and to the Women’s Diagnostic Center at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast.
For more information, including entry rules for the Alys Experience Sweepstakes, and reservations to the event, visit www.alysbeach.com/calizagoespink. Caliza Restaurant is located at 9581 East County Highway 30A, Alys Beach, Florida 32413. Tickets to the five-course menu can be purchased for $65 per person both online or by phone at (850) 213-5700.
