Spectacular Epicurean Event

United Friends of the Children is partnering with Los Angeles' most renowned culinary talent to present the third annual Cultivate LA. The premier food and wine event, hosted this year at a private Bel Air estate set on eight magnificent acres, will take place on the evening of September 17, 2011, to benefit local foster youth.

The intimate event will feature savory tastings from the kitchens of celebrated local chefs including Brendan Collins (Waterloo & City), Suzanne Goin (Tavern), Casey Lane (Tasting Kitchen), Eric Greenspan (The Foundry), Susan Feniger (Street), Helene An (Crustacean), Josiah Citrin (Melisse), Joachim Splichal (Patina) and Roy Choi (A-Frame).

"Even though I wasn't a foster kid, I've spent a lot of time alone and as a transient, wandering through LA and across the country. So anything I can do to help our kids build a stronger, more grounded foundation, I'm down for it," said Roy Choi.

Tastings from a carefully curated mix of regional wine, beer, artisanal food and confections producers including Mondavi Reserve Wines, Chateau Montelena Winery, Frank Family Vineyards, Beverly Hills Cheese Store, Cake Monkey, Coolhaus Ice Cream and Sprinkles will contribute to a festive, palette-pleasing evening.Rounding out the exciting event will be a large format wine auction of more than 40 rare, fine wines, including Ridge Montebello 6L, Mondavi Reserve Cabernet and Shafer 2005 Merlot. The wines were personally selected by celebrity wine expert Anthony Dias Blue.

"We decided to build our silent auction around large format bottles because enthusiastic wine collectors prize these big bottles. The grand stature of magnums, double magnums, Jeroboams and larger vessels provide increased protection against oxidation, making these stand-out bottles ideal for cellaring, aging - and, of course, presentation. I am delighted to be involved with Cultivate LA again. It is a pleasure working with such dedicated people for such an admirable cause," said Anthony Dias Blue.

Anthony Dias Blue will also be hosting an elegant VIP Reception immediately preceding the event. Supporters who opt for VIP ticket packages will enjoy meeting Mr. Blue and sampling reserve wines from esteemed vineyards paired with food by Chef Brendan Collins of the acclaimed restaurant Waterloo & City.

General Admission tickets ($175) and VIP ticket packages, which offer VIP Reception admission and a range of gifts and amenities, are on sale now.

United Friends of the Children is a non-profit organization dedicated to bettering the lives of foster children and to supporting former foster youth in their journey to become successful, independent adults. Through programs, advocacy efforts, and direct involvement with youth, UFC seeks to be a catalyst for change.

"UFC's mission is to expand opportunities for LA's foster youth - help them find jobs, rent their own apartment, attend and graduate from college, and to have meaningful relationships with others," adds Polly Williams, President of UFC. "Foster youth need the chance to build a strong sense of self that makes a successful adulthood possible."

ABOUT CULTIVATE LA

Cultivate LA is an annual charity event hosted by United Friends of the Children. Proceeds from the event support UFC's educational and transitional living programs that serve foster youth providing them with the opportunity to graduate from high school, attend and graduate from college, get a job, find housing and have a support system that transitions them into an independent adult life.