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When asked to be the corporate sponsor for the Project Hunger benefit, Craig said she could not forget the man in the photo.

“It’s that important,” Craig said. “Hunger is a real-time need in Brevard that can be addressed right away.”

Funds raised during the event for Project Hunger will go directly to feeding Brevard County residents.

“I see my son fight with hunger pains every day,” Craig said, referring to her son, Danny, who was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes constant, intense hunger, and an obsession with food. “I can’t cure his pains, but I can help Project Hunger care for those in our community that feel the same hunger.”

Project Hunger is a grass-roots fund-raising effort that helps stock local food banks. Its officials say that they can leverage every $1 raised into $9 worth of food.

The event is “an opportunity to raise money for a good cause,” said local attorney Tony Hernandez III, the festival’s founder and this year’s festival director.

There will be a full day of activities, with the food and wine tastings from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a musical performance by local band Mo Geetz. Then, there will be a sunset concert by iconic band Three Dog Night, which had 21 Top 40 hits, including three No. 1 singles (Mama Told Me Not to Come, Joy to the World and Black and White). The event will end with the fireworks show.

This year’s festival theme is international flavors. Visitors will sample gourmet food paired with fine wines from around the world.

Food will be prepared by chefs representing a range of cuisines, including American, Colombian, Cuban, Fusion, Indian, Italian, Jamaican, Lebanese and Thai.

Hernandez said he believes the chefs and their restaurants are among the best in their county for their ethnic specialties.

Tickets are $75 apiece, and sales will be limited to 3,000 tickets so as to have the attendees feel “very comfortable,” and not make the venue feel too crowded, Hernandez said. Attendance is limited to those age 18 and older.

Hernandez said the Cocoa Beach Hilton, near Lori Wilson Park, is offering special rates for festival-goers who want to stay in the area overnight.

“We’re looking for a great event,” Hernandez said.

In addition to presenting sponsor Craig Technologies, festival sponsors include Al Dia Today, Brandt Ronat & Co., Southern Wine and Spirits of America Inc., SpaceCoast Living magazine and WSBH-FM (98.5/The Beach).

To buy tickets and merchandise

Tickets for the Cocoa Beach Wine & Food Festival are available through www.ticketweb.com. The festival Web site (www.cocoabeachwinefood festival.com) also has a link to ticketweb.com.

People also can purchase festival-themed merchandise (including aprons, T-shirts, tank tops, canvas tote bags and ceramic steins) on festival Web site.

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