Alexis George
On April 21st from 6-9 pm, Venue on Lake Lily – The Maitland Civic Center, will once again host Corks and Forks. The tasting event is presented by Tower Realty Partners and Mercedes-Benz of Orlando with proceeds set to benefit this historic 60’s era venue.
In 1965, the Maitland Civic Center was founded as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, offering Maitland residents a place to gather as a community. It was the epicenter of social, civic and cultural life in Maitland.
Since the organization is independently funded, meaning no City of Maitland funds go toward the management or daily operations of the building or its events, Corks and Forks allows Venue at Lake Lily to fundraise while also celebrating all that Maitland has to offer.
President, Renee Charlan says. “The Venue is committed to continue our Founders’ vision.” Now known as Venue on Lake Lily, the organization’s mission is to “identify trends that can be used to activate and market the Venue on Lake Lily, while reframing its time-tested place as an invaluable community asset for generations to come.”
Charlan says the planning stages for Corks and Forks began with the idea of giving a platform to the community’s restaurants and to truly tie in that community element.
The platform was needed since at the time restaurants were devastated due to covid-19. Corks and Forks provided an opportunity for the community to support and give back to restaurants in a safe way. And this time around the event has expanded to allow for an even better experience.
“Last year we were just outside; this year we’re doing a VIP reception inside one room and the other room is going to be [filled with desserts] where we’ll have live music as well,” says Executive Director Bobby Neal.
Guests will have the opportunity to visit several restaurant booths including Sonny’s BBQ and Dubsdread’s Tap Room and sample their signature dishes. Beer, wine, and spirit vendors will also be on hand to pair beverage samplings with each bite.
Some of the event’s flagship restaurants include Antonio’s Ristorante, Flemings, Francesco’s, Luke’s and Outpost, all located in Maitland and Winter Park. As a bonus, guests will also have an opportunity to see what the Venue has to offer residents looking to plan special occasions such as weddings or corporate events.
“We’re hoping to continue it as an annual event and the big thing in the future is to just continue to deepen the relationships with these local businesses-not only the restaurants, but the other business partners that have come on board as sponsors or corporate table purchasers,” says Neal.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit CorksAndForksMaitland.com.
Comments