Cooking for Wishes

More than 400 guests spiced things up at Cooking For Wishes 2025!

 It was a record-breaking celebration, raising $1 MILLION to grant the life-changing wishes of children with critical illnesses in the Suncoast community. 

The inspiring “Moulin Rouge” themed evening featured a four-course interactive dinner led by Phil Mancini and Chef Jamil Pineda of Michael’s On East. 

There was a raffle and entertaining can-can and ballroom dancers that evoked the romance and culture of Paris. Cooking for Wishes chairs Terri Klauber, Renee Phinney and Lauren McComb Dixon welcomed everyone, while Michael Klauber led the exciting and successful Live Auction. 

Wish kid Libbi and her family shared the heartwarming story of her wish to go to the Florida theme parks. And to further celebrate the power of a wish, there was a special surprise for Daliany – her wish to go to Paris will be granted next month! 

This event was sponsored by Melissa Howard and Scott Moore and presented by Exceptional Dentistry of Sarasota. Thank you to everyone who helped make Cooking For Wishes 2025 unforgettable! 

Hosts and Chairs

• Venue Host: Circus Arts Conservatory
• Dinner Hosts: Michael's On East Co-Owners Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini
• Chairs: Terri Klauber, Renee Phinney, and Lauren McComb Dixon

Location: Circus Arts Conservatory, 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239