Each year, Tallahassee State College, a two-year post-secondary institution in Florida, awards one thousand scholarships to its students—vital financial lifelines that often determine whether they can complete their academic and workforce programs or advance to a four-year university. To make these gifts possible, the school devised an ingenious capital campaign a decade ago: a one-week food festival called Cleaver and Cork.
Headlining this year’s eight-event smorgasbord (February 23–March 2) is none other than acclaimed restaurateur and Top Chef host Tom Colicchio. A lifelong supporter of continuing education, Colicchio will lend his time and talents to the fest’s already sold-out Signature Dinner (Friday, February 28), featuring a four-course menu crafted by the five-time James Beard Award winner. If you didn’t snag tickets yet, don’t fret; there are plenty of other opportunities to support the cause. At the main event on Saturday, March 1, mingle with talented chefs and sample gourmet bites and beverages on the school’s Intramural Field. And cap off the week on Sunday, March 2, with the debut of Brunch and Barbecue, a new crowd-pleaser combining smoked meats and live bluegrass music.
