"We felt that this would be a wonderful opportunity to showcase the exquisite residences of four very gracious people while enjoying imaginative dishes prepared by professionals in their homes," said Kronfeld, the event's executive director for 19 years. "People are very interested in lifestyles and fabulous cooking — and this is the perfect coupling of the two."

Kronfeld said she focuses on the true objective of the event: to provide the continuation of better hearing for students in the Palm Beach County school system.

"It is a miracle to see kids who are hearing-impaired receive the gift of better hearing," she said. "Our goal is to provide hearing aids to financially disadvantaged children who would otherwise not be able to learn properly and could not reach their highest potential in life."

The 2006 series schedule begins with "A Splendid Sunday Brunch" at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 18 at the home of Vi Werner. Café Cocoanut's Carol Katzenberg will prepare "A Grand Omelette," crispy potatoes, gallettas with smoked salmon, Carol's favorite salad and lemon curd tarts.

The second installment, "An Artistic Experience," will be held at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 15 at the CityPlace residence of sculpture John Ramondi. Guests will explore Ramondi's gallery and collection of American abstract expressionist paintings, ancient glass and African tribal art. Doreen Alfaro of Christafaro's Caterers will share the secrets of a new wave of entertaining while creating salmon roulade, mini-rubens, Chinese noodles and chicken in boxes with bite-size desserts.

"Backyard Dining in Palm Beach" will be held at 11:30 a.m. March 15 at the home of Helen Pearl. Guests will enjoy an informal Tuscan luncheon in an outdoor setting. Katzenberg will instruct the preparation of grilled scallop and shrimp seafood antipasto salad accompanied by marinated goat cheese, an easy-grilled pizza and caramelized apricot tart.

The final offering is "The Grand Finale" cocktail party from 5 to 7 p.m. April 5 at Deco of Palm Beach. Chef-owner Paul Darrow will present several of Deco's signature items including crab cakes, mini-burgers, and the popular mac and cheese.

The Starkey Hearing Foundation, founded in 1973 by William F. Austin, is a worldwide organization dedicated to providing the gift of hearing. In addition to missions in Asia, Africa, Central America, Europe, the Middle East and Mexico, the foundation gives more than 20,000 hearing aids to the hearing impaired each year. "There are so many generous people right here in Palm Beach that help to make dreams possible for so many," Kronfeld said.

The series of four sessions can be purchased for $375. Individually, "Splendid Sunday Brunch" is $125; "An Artistic Experience," $110; and "Backyard Dining," $110. "The Grand Finale" costs $125 for two. The first three sessions are limited to 30 participants.

For more information, contact Kronfeld at 586-3061. For information on Starkey Hearing Foundation, visit sotheworldmayhear.org.

By Robi Jurney
http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/content/news/PBseries1228.html