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South Beach Wine & Food Festival Benefits FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) — From Rachael Ray to Bobby Flay, celebrity chefs are in town this weekend for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, where fine-palated foodies enjoy gourmet grub in the sand of South Beach.

All proceeds from the Festival benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University.

At Burger Bash on Friday night, Rachael Ray made sure to stop at all the restaurants to show her support.

"Burgers bring everybody together," said Ray. "They're friendly, they allow people to get to know some of the world's greatest chefs, using a simple vehicle, putting their talents to a bun."

Ray announced three winners including the People's Choice winner which was The 2 Mike's Bone Marrow Burger from Butter Restaurant in New York.

Winner or not, all the restaurants participating help raise money for FIU's Chaplain School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. More than 30 million dollars has been raised since its inception.

What brings it full circle is more than 1400 student volunteers, including students from FIU and Miami-Dade College, at the 114 events that span 3 counties.

"They do so much good. Again over 30 million has been raised. It's amazing," said Ray, who started Yum-O!, a non-profit in 2006.

With so much food, drink and excitement, it's easy to see why this event is the hottest ticket in town. For many of the celebrities in the food & restaurant world, it's a big family reunion.

"A blonde Rachael Ray sandwich!" said Anne Burrell, Ray's Food Network co-star as she and Guy Fieri embraced Ray.

There is so much to do, see, eat and drink at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.

Click here for more information and ticket information.

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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