Ashley's Delivers FREE on School Nights!

Get in the back-to-school spirit with free delivery on school nights (Sunday – Thursday) from Ashley’s Food Delivery, the area’s only multi-restaurant delivery service.

“It’s a busy time of year for families and a great time to take advantage of the convenience of our food delivery service,” says owner Jeff Sniegocki. “We can deliver a delicious, wholesome dinner for the whole family right to your door – what could be simpler?”

Ashley’s Food Delivery offers a wide variety of restaurants to choose from to please everyone in the family. The restaurant delivery service offers full dinner menus and kids menus from variety of restaurants, including Chili's, Word of Mouth and Demetrios.

“There are also options for family-style dinners from several of our restaurant partners,” says Sniegocki. “Basil’s Flame Broiled Chicken & Ribs, Roadside Rib Shack and Troyer’s Dutch Heritage all offer easy-to-order meals for a bunch.”

To redeem free delivery on school nights, place your order online at www.AshleysFood.com and use the coupon code “school” at checkout. Or mention the Back to School Special when you call 953-FOOD. (Promotion is valid Sunday through Thursday, on dinner orders only, through 9/2/10. A minimum $25 food order is required. Free delivery value is $3.75.)

Full delivery menus for all of Ashley’s restaurant partners are available on the Ashley’s Food Delivery website, www.AshleysFood.com. Delivery orders can be placed online, or with a customer service representative at 953-FOOD (953-3663).

About Ashley’s Food Delivery: The area’s only multi-restaurant delivery service, Ashley’s Food Delivery partners with over 25 restaurants in Sarasota to deliver everything from home-cooked, comfort food to elegant, gourmet dining. Ashley’s Food offers residential & corporate meal delivery, drop-off catering services and gift basket delivery. The service is open for lunch delivery Monday through Friday (Sarasota only) and dinner delivery every day. For more information, call 953-FOOD or visit www.AshleysFood.com.

Caregiver Training for Parkinson Disease Offered in Sarasota This Week

On Saturday, August 21st, Neuro Challenge Foundation (NCF) will offer training to professionals and laypersons caring for Parkinson’s disease patients. The workshop will be held at The Pines of Sarasota from 8:00am to 1:00pm. All Parkinson related healthcare providers, professional and family caregivers, and anyone working with Parkinson patients and their loved ones are encouraged to call 926-6413 to register.

“One of the ways Neuro Challenge Foundation intends to improve the lives of people with PD is by training the people who interact with them.” says Doreen Sutherland, NCF president. Issues like dressing, sitting, standing, dementia and medications will be discussed in addition to topics of specific interest to therapists and nurses. Continuing education credits are available.

Participation in either the live or web-based class allows professionals to become a part of the Neuro Challenge Network of caregivers, called Parkinson Partners. The network includes assisted living facilities, massage and yoga professionals, physical, occupational and speech therapists, attorneys, at-home care nurses, transport services and many others. A relational database created specifically for the task of matching clients to resources in the Sarasota area is being developed through a grant from Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. PD patients can take advantage of the free program by requesting enrollment through their doctor. There are an estimated 9,000 people living with Parkinson Disease in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte Counties and more than 15,000 caregivers for those with PD.

Speakers include Dean P. Sutherland, MD, PhD, Marilyn Tait and Laura Magnusson, OT/L. The cost for attendees seeking CEUs in $45 and $25 for all others. Call 926-6413 to register.

Whole Foods to Benefit Save Our Seabirds

Shop July 28 at Whole Foods Market Sarasota and 5% of net sales will benefit Save Our Seabirds. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release as many birds as possible and to incorporate non-releasable birds as educational tools and surrogate parents. They are committed to educating the public of the problems our wildlife has to endure and make suggestions on how to mitigate them. The Oiled Wildlife Response Program trains volunteers to respond to an oil spill, initiate the proper procedures to rescue, triage and maintain protocol to successfully release as many birds as possible back to the wild. For more information, visit www.saveourseabirds.org.

Date: Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Time: 8 am – 9 pm

Where: Whole Foods Market Sarasota

1451 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34239

(941) 955-8500

Contact Nikki Heil at Nikki.heil@wholefoods.com or 941-955-8500 ext. 215 for more information.

End your shopping day with a summer wine tasting. 100% of your $10 ticket will benefit Save Our Seabirds.

For information on Whole Foods Market Community Giving programs:

www.wholefoodsmarket.com/community/giving.php

About Whole Foods Market®: Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com), a leader in the natural and organic foods industry and America’s first national certified organic grocer, was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” in 2008 by Health magazine. The Whole Foods Market motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures the company’s mission to find success in customer satisfaction and wellness, employee excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to its 53,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 12 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2008, the company had sales of $8 billion and currently has more than 275 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market, Fresh & WildTM, and Harry’s Farmers Market® are trademarks owned by Whole Foods Market IP, LP. Wild Oats® and Capers Community MarketTM are trademarks owned by Wild Marks, Inc.

Beat the Heat with Ashley's Specials

This summer, get out of the kitchen and get local food delivered hot and fast from Ashley’s Food Delivery. Summer dining is a breeze with fresh, no-fuss meals from over 25 area restaurants delivered right to your door. Three summer specials are now available (through August 31st):

Basil’s Picnic Pack includes 12 pieces of flame-broiled chicken, two large sides and pita with honey butter for $22.99.

The Café Italia Pizza Party includes two large-16” cheese pizzas for $20. Toppings are available for an extra charge.

Ashley’s is also offering a FREE six-pack of Coca-Cola with any $25 delivery order. Redeem your six-pack with coupon code COKE when ordering online, or mention it when placing your order at 953-3663.

Full delivery menus for all of Ashley’s restaurant partners are available on the Ashley’s Food Delivery website, www.AshleysFood.com. Delivery orders can be placed online, or with a customer service representative at 953-FOOD (953-3663).

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About Ashley’s Food Delivery: The area’s only multi-restaurant delivery service, Ashley’s Food Delivery partners with over 30 restaurants in Sarasota and Bradenton to deliver everything from home-cooked, comfort food to elegant, gourmet dining. Ashley’s Food offers residential & corporate meal delivery, drop-off catering services and gift basket delivery. The service is open for lunch delivery Monday through Friday (Sarasota only) and dinner delivery every day. For more information, call 953-FOOD or visit www.AshleysFood.com.

SMH HealthPlex Dance Party for Parkinson's

This Friday, the Sarasota community will gather at the Sarasota Memorial Healthplex Fitness Center for an evening of Latin, Zumba and ballroom dancing in support of Neuro Challenge Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing medical, educational and emotional support to those suffering with debilitating life challenges such as Parkinson Disease.

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and Neuro Challenge Foundation understand the proven benefits of dancing and other movement therapies for Parkinson patients. The two organizations worked closely together to develop the unique program Smart Moves, an integrative approach to health that centers on a simple but important concept: that attitude and exercise are essential to keep your body, mind and spirit up and moving. Smart Moves activities range from aquatic therapy, acupuncture and therapeutic massage to ballroom dancing, gentle yoga, tai chi and art therapy. Each activity offers scaled down and customized movements that empower people to overcome their physical limitations and help them stay ahead of their disease.

“Dancing with the Plex” begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 16. The fun-filled evening will include an hour of Latin and Zumba dancing with local dancers Felipe, Ana, Maurina and Linda, a professional ballroom dance show by Dance Fusion Professionals (featured on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars”), two hours of Latin dancing with live band VocesLibre, and more—including a surprise dance from a Healthplex staff member. $10 tickets include two drink tickets (beer, sangria or water) and one raffle ticket for a Healthplex dance lesson package. Advanced tickets are encouraged and may be purchased at the Healthplex, 5880 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota (3/4 mile west of I-75 off of Clark Road) or by calling (941) 917-7000. All proceeds from the event will benefit Neuro Challenge Foundation.

About Neuro Challenge Foundation: The Neuro Challenge Foundation (NCF) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of people with Parkinson Disease and their caregivers through service, education and research. NCF funds programs and activities that promise to ease the burden of Parkinson Disease through patient-centered professional education, community forums and scientific and clinical research. 9,000 people in Sarasota and Manatee counties are coping with Parkinson Disease. Neuro Challenge Foundation helps these patients and their caregivers with the day-to-day decisions that help them to cope with this chronic and progressively debilitating disease through individualized care plans, educational and support programs, and referral services. Patients, caregivers and nationally recognized scientific experts advise us and lead the way as we invest in the science and services that will lead to a cure. For more information, please call (888) 623-4483 or visit www.neurochallenge.org.

About Healthplex Fitness Center: The Sarasota Memorial Healthplex Fitness Center is a health and fitness facility combining all of the amenities of an upscale fitness club with the world-class medical expertise of the region's top health care system. With an impressive array of fitness equipment and programs, and the finest restorative and rehabilitative care when prevention is not enough, Healthplex is designed to promote optimal health and keep people out of the hospital. Healthplex offers a variety of programs under the supervision of specially trained health and fitness professionals. For more information, please call (941) 917-7000 or visit www.sarasotahealthplex.com.

The Hukilau Hut Opens on Sarasota Mainland

The Hukilau Hut, a local favorite for its thirty flavors of authentic Hawaiian shave ice, has opened its first store on the mainland in Sarasota, Florida. Owned by a long time Sarasota family, the company has expanded their selection to include a complete coffee bar using beans roasted on site (including Cuban and American coffee, espressos, lattes and more), boutique ice creams and milk shakes, Kahuna signature sandwiches on in-house baked Maui bread, Kona chili dogs and much more.

“We really enjoy the atmosphere of seeing families enjoy themselves, being together for such a simple treat,” says Hukilau Hut owner Juan Gutierrez, who operates the store with his wife Renee and their son Brandon. “Time flies by so fast and then everyone is spread out and you miss most the times you share with your family,” says Juan. “I saw an opportunity to bring my family together and spend time with each other.”

The new restaurant incorporates the unique, hand-carved Hawaiian décor that has made their traveling Hukilau Huts so well loved in the community. Located on the north side of Bee Ridge Road just west of Shade Avenue, the Hukilau Hut is open from Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

In addition to visiting the new Hukilau Hut, the mobile Hukilau Huts are still available for events and private parties. For more information, please visit www.hukilauhut.com, or stop in for a treat. Aloha!

About the Hukilau Hut: The Hukilau Hut was inspired by the famous North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. A 'Hukilau' is a gathering of people to have fun and share food, refreshment, and fellowship. The Hukilau Hut is available for luaus, parties, birthdays, grand openings, fundraisers or any celebration where fun is the objective! The Hukilau Hut store is open from Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. For more information, call 925-0400 or visit www.hukilauhut.com.

Ashley's Food Delivery Owner is Behind Bars!

Ashley's Food Delivery owner Jeff Sniegocki needs your help! He's made the Muscular Dystrophy Association's "Most Wanted" list and is being ARRESTED on June 30th! Help bail him out of jail and help many local children and adults with muscular diseases by adding vital funds to MDA's research efforts. PLEASE make a pledge and help Jeff make bail!! Call 953-FOOD or donate online today!

The MDA Lock-Up gathers local business and community leaders annually who agree to be "arrested" for having a "big heart." This unique community-wide event raises funds for Jerry's kids.

Donations to MDA provide help and hope in many ways, including clinics with expert specialized medical care, cutting-edge research into treatments and cures, support with obtaining equipment and coping with challenges, and the annual MDA Camp, a barrier-free week of fun, friendship and laughter for kids. Please visit www.mda.org for information on how MDA makes a difference to people around the country and in your community.

About Ashley’s Food Delivery: The area’s only multi-restaurant delivery service, Ashley’s Food Delivery partners with over 35 restaurants in Sarasota and Bradenton to deliver everything from home-cooked, comfort food to elegant, gourmet dining. Ashley’s Food offers residential & corporate meal delivery, drop-off catering services and gift basket delivery. The service is open for lunch delivery Monday through Friday (Sarasota only) and dinner delivery every day. For more information, call 953-FOOD or visit www.AshleysFood.com.

Ashley's Honors Dads and Grads with Delivery

Ashley’s Food Delivery, the area’s only multi-restaurant delivery service, can help you celebrate special June days with convenient and tasty delivery from over 35 local restaurants. Have Dad’s favorite meal delivered right to his couch. Or please a group of grads with drop-off catering ideal for any size graduation celebration. Ashley’s Food also offers gift certificates and gift basket delivery, both perfect for the June gift-giving season.

“From steaks to burgers to BBQ ribs, there is something to please every Dad on our delivery menu,” says Jeff Sniegocki, Owner of Ashley’s Food Delivery. “And with delivery, you can skip the long lines and hassles of dining out and just enjoy good food with family in the comfort of your own home.”

Residential dinner delivery is available throughout the greater Sarasota & Bradenton areas. Complete menu selections, as well as online ordering, are available on the company’s website: www.AshleysFood.com. Drop-off catering menus, featuring family-style meals and party platter options, are also available online.

“Our drop-off catering services make graduation parties – or any group gathering – simple. Crowd-pleasing menu choices range from trays of lasagna and broasted chicken, to pizzas and subs, to platters of finger food and appetizers. We bring it all to you and set it up, so you can enjoy your celebration,” says Sniegocki.

Ashley’s Food also offers unique gift delivery options. A selection of locally-made, themed gift baskets are available, as well as gift certificates in any denomination. For more information on gift delivery options, as well as delivery and drop-off catering services, visit www.AshleysFood.com or call 941-953-FOOD (3663).

About Ashley’s Food Delivery: The area’s only multi-restaurant delivery service, Ashley’s Food Delivery partners with over 35 restaurants in Sarasota and Bradenton to deliver everything from home-cooked, comfort food to elegant, gourmet dining. Ashley’s Food offers residential & corporate meal delivery, drop-off catering services and gift basket delivery. The service is open for lunch delivery Monday through Friday (Sarasota only) and dinner delivery every day. For more information, call 953-FOOD or visit www.AshleysFood.com.

Michael A. Gilkey, Jr. Joins Florida Wildflower Foundation Board of Directors

Landscape architect Michael A. Gilkey, Jr. of Sarasota's Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. has accepted a two-year position on the Board of Directors for the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Gilkey’s appointment will represent the Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects on the eleven-member board. Among the other agencies represented are the Florida Department of Transportation, University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and the Florida Native Plant Society.

Michael A. Gilkey, Jr. brings to the Florida Wildflower Foundation a depth of knowledge in appropriate design applications for wildflowers and native flowering plants. “I look forward to learning more about Florida’s wildflowers, and helping to suggest ways they might be used more prolifically,” said Gilkey. “Most of us are familiar with the Foundation’s highway beautification efforts, but there are many ways we can use wildflowers and other natives in everyday projects that will benefit Florida’s residents, visitors, wildlife and ecosystems.”

Florida’s native wildflowers have struggled to co-exist with the pressures of progress. As the state’s natural landscape has been increasingly threatened by development, some species have vanished altogether. Still others have been classified as endangered or threatened. The Florida Wildflower Foundation’s mission is to enrich lives with Florida’s native wildflowers.

Through the sale of the State Wildflower license tag, the organization increases the visibility and availability of native wildflowers and grasses by funding research, education and planting projects statewide. Since 2000, the Foundation has used the $15 donation from each State Wildflower license plate sale to:

• Provide more than $2 million for native wildflower education, research and planting projects.
• Spur the development of the wildflower seed industry by supporting the Florida Wildflower Seed and Plant Growers Association.
• Support Florida’s native nursery industry by increasing demand for flowering native species.
• Build awareness and knowledge of native wildflowers and plants.
• Support highway beautification through widespread wildflower seeding and planting projects.
• Promote wildflower tourism and its enormous economic benefits.
• Partner with like-minded agencies and organizations to support programs such as the Florida Forever land preservation effort.

Ultimately, the Foundation seeks to build a center for wildflower research and education that conveys to visitors and residents alike the beauty of wildflowers and their roles in Florida’s diverse habitats. To support its research effort, the Foundation in 2007 established the Gary Henry Research Endowment Fund at the University of Florida. The endowment is in honor of the contributions made by the organization’s first executive director.

ABOUT MICHAEL A. GILKEY, INC.: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. is a landscape architecture studio in Sarasota, Florida, established in 1981. Through a passion for pure design and personal relationships with architects, contractors and homeowners, Gilkey creates expressions of outdoor space that are direct translations of their clients’ visions. For more information, please visit www.magilkey.com or call (941) 924-0132.

Ashley's Delivers for Mothers' Day

Ashley’s Food Delivery, the area’s only multi-restaurant delivery service, has partnered with local Amish restaurant Troyer’s Dutch Heritage, and local chocolatier Peterbrooke, to offer special Mother’s Day Gift Baskets, available for delivery to area moms. The baskets, which are overflowing with handmade delicacies, retail for $55.00, including delivery.

“These baskets make for a uniquely-Sarasota gift,” says Liz Sniegocki, co-owner of Ashley’s Food Delivery. “Filled with either baked goods and treats from a community Amish bakery, or hand-crafted chocolate delights, they both provide a sweet sampling of local flavors.”

The Troyer’s Mother’s Day Basket features fresh bakery treats such as bread, cookies and a small pie, as well as house-made apple butter, peanut butter, fudge and candies. The Peterbrooke basket is filled with chocolate covered popcorn, handmade assortments, hand-dipped specialties and a “Happy Mother’s Day” engraved chocolate bar.Gift basket delivery is available throughout Sarasota every day; 72 hours notice is required (Mother’s Day orders should be received by Thursday, May 6). The full Ashley’s Food Delivery gift menu, including seasonal and year-round gift options, is available at www.AshleysFood.com. Orders may be placed online or by calling 953-FOOD (3663). Complimentary gift cards can be included with all deliveries, upon request.

About Ashley’s Food Delivery: The area’s only multi-restaurant delivery service, Ashley’s Food Delivery partners with over 35 restaurants in Sarasota and Bradenton to deliver everything from home-cooked, comfort food to elegant, gourmet dining. Ashley’s Food offers residential & corporate meal delivery, drop-off catering services and gift basket delivery. The service is open for lunch delivery Monday through Friday (Sarasota only) and dinner delivery every day. For more information, call 953-FOOD or visit www.AshleysFood.com.