More than 2,000 people made their way to the Biltmore Hotel during the weekend of May 5-7 for the Great South Florida Wine Festival, a charity event that raises money for the Baptist and South Miami Hospital Foundations and the United Way.

This year's events -- which included a wine tasting, a live auction, champagne receptions, a five-course meal, a swing dance party and a Sunday morning interactive gourmet meal -- raised almost $750,000 for the three organizations.

Dr. Sergio Gonzalez-Arias, chairperson of the event and board member of the Baptist and South Miami Hospital Foundations, was enthusiastic about this year's event, reportedly the most elaborate to date.

"It started as a wine auction about five years ago to help the United Way and the Baptist and South Miami Hospital Foundations," he explained. "The proceeds of the event that go to the foundation help fund much-needed projects at both campuses."

Funds generated by the event go directly into the foundation accounts and are allocated where the need is most severe.

"Personally, I'm committed to helping improve the children's center at South Miami Hospital," Gonzalez-Arias said. "However, the funds are put into the unrestricted fund, where they are used at their discretion."

There were many contributors to the fund-raising event, including Bob Dickinson, president of Carnival Cruise Lines; Attorney Mel Morganstern of Zach, Kosnitsky, P.A.; and attorney Bob Paul of Sacher, Zelman, Van Saint, Paul, Beiley, Hartman, and Waldman, P.A.

The event's directors included Mike Bittel of Sunset Corners Fine Wine and Spirits, Chip Cassidy of Crown Liquors, James Mancbach of Southern Wine and Spirits, and Yvonne Roberts of the Cellar Club at the Biltmore Hotel.

The corporate presenting sponsor of the event was Merrill Lynch in conjunction with the magazine Wine Spectator.

Gonzalez-Arias emphasized that by partnering with the United Way not only were they able to develop a broad base of support, but also were able to affect an even greater good in the community.

"Because we're doing this as a charitable event," he explained, "we've partnered with the United Way. That way we're also able to help those projects in our area that are sponsored by the United Way through their community-based initiatives."

To learn more about getting involved with next year's event please call 305-913- 3164.