Saturday night, I'll once again have the honor of hosting the 23rd Annual Abilities Foundation Wine Tasting. This year, we're in a new location, one that is more than appropriate as we prepare to honor so many for their service to our country. We'll be at the Armed Forces History Museum in Largo. "The event was moved to the Museum to accentuate our fund raising mission to serve returning disabled military veterans," said Foundation CEO Frank Lucia. "The Museum provides a centrally located 50,000 square foot facility with ample free parking and a phenomenal look at our military from WW1 through today. Its fascinating recreation of the defense of our nation will astound patrons and underscore the importance of supporting the veterans who sacrificed so much to ensure our many freedoms."

   Tickets are still available at two levels; Grand Tasting tickets cost $75 in advance, and $85 at the door. Tickets for the VIP reception include entry to the Grand Tasting, and cost $150 in advance and $175 at the door. To purchase tickets, please go to abilitiesfoundation.com, or call 727-538-7370, ext 234. Designated driver tickets are also available at a cost of $40, and can be purchased by calling that same number. The tasting will begin with a VIP Officer's Club Reception from 6-7 pm, followed by the Grand Tasting from 7-9 pm. Among the restaurants and wine purveyors will be Salt Rock Grill, Parkshore Grill, 400 Beach Drive, O'Bistro, Melting Pot, Madfish, Casa Vinicola Zonin, Global Wines Distribution, Premier Beverage Company, Southern Wine and Spirits, Republic National Distributing, Johnson Brothers, Stacole, Spirits of Mexico, Pic Pac, Fine Wine and Spirits Warehouse and Carrollwood Liquors.

   The event is presented by Raymond James and sponsored by Bright House Networks, Margaret Ewell Dickins Foundation, Jim's Harley Davidson, Cox Media Group, ALSCO Linens, Travis Publishing, Signs By Tomorrow, Courtesy Valet and Ambassador Limousine. The evening features valet parking, live entertainment, and a silent auction with a Jim's Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, rare wines, autographed sports collectibles, original artwork and more.

   Proceeds from the Abilities Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit that supports the Warrior Bridge Initiative of Abilities, Inc. of Florida, d.b.a. the ServiceSource Regional Office, a 501c3 nonprofit that has helped thousands of Floridians with disabilities obtain jobs and affordable housing. For more information, please visit abilitiesfoundation.com.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY'S KITCHEN

Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason mastery demandss all of a person - Albert Einstein.