Plaza Bella Fundraiser Nets Nearly $1,000 for A Kid's Place

While the emphasis was on fun, the first Taste of Caribbean evening at Plaza Bella on Bloomingdale Avenue had a more serious purpose.

The event Friday, Sept. 14, was designed to raise funds for A Kid's Place, a home for abused and neglected children in Brandon.

During the festive end-of-summer celebration, residents enjoyed  Caribbean-style foods, listened to music from the islands, courtesy of Big Beats DJ, and try island drinks provided by El Dorado Rum. 

Those who made a donation to A Kid's Place got to roll the dice for a chance to win a Sandals or Beaches vacation.

Anthony and Leena Caliguire of The Original Leena’s Chocolates, route: {:controller=>"listings", :action=>"show", :id=>"the-original-leenas-chocolate"} --> provided guests with chocolate treats while Debbie Ploor, owner of , plied guests with Margaritas, boiled shrimp and cupcakes from , , , , and