2017 Annual Celebration and Boundary Crosser Award 

Congratulations to the recipient of the 2017 Boundary Crosser Award: Michael Klauber.

Congratulations to the recipient of the 2017 Boundary Crosser Award: Michael Klauber. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Michael Klauber is co-proprietor of the award-winning Michael’s On East restaurant. Following studies at Cornell University, Michael participated in management training programs at the famed Royal Sonesta and Arnaud’s restaurant in New Orleans. He returned to Sarasota to oversee restaurant operations, in 1980, at his family’s historic Colony Beach & Tennis Resort on Longboat Key before striking out on his own in 1987 to open Michael’s On East.

Michael is co-founder of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, a marketing collaboration boasting more than 50 independent restaurants throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties, original founder of Florida Winefest and co-founder/co-chair of the Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival. A lifetime techie, his website www.bestfood.com was the first restaurant website online in 1994. Today, he continues as a leader in innovative marketing strategies and partnerships with the Michael’s brand and through volunteerism with industry and community partnerships. Michael has become widely recognized for his passion as a volunteer charity auctioneer. 

Residents of Downtown Sarasota, he and his wife Terri frequently lend their talents, hospitality and support to local nonprofit organizations and enjoy being part of such a thriving cultural community. Each year, they also host exclusive Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club journeys to the world’s most exotic food and wine destinations. Currently, Michael enjoys serving as a board member for Visit Sarasota County, Nathan Benderson Community Park Foundation, Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization, Sarasota-Manatee Originals and Chairman of the Sarasota Bayfront 20:20 community initiative.

 

Thank you to our sponsors: 

Community Connector: 

Civic Partners:

Bridge Builders:

Media Sponsors:

 

Since 2005, SCOPE has honored a “Boundary Crosser” at our Annual Celebration.

A Boundary Crosser is a person who connects people across boundary lines that traditionally divide community. They are citizen leaders who extend past their familiar territory, whether that’s government, non-profits, business, ethnic groups, religion, or neighborhoods to become community builders.