Tasting of Wines benefit planned for Saturday
By From staff reports
Published in News on November 4, 2012 1:50 AM
The 18th Annual Benefit Tasting of Wines and silent auction to raise money for the Optimist International Foundation Scholarship Fund and Center Stage Theatre will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, from 5-7 p.m. at the Goldsboro Country Club.
The benefit focuses on Wayne County charities and has raised more than $187,000 for organizations such as the Community Soup Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, the Arts Council of Wayne County, the Paramount Theatre and many more. The benefit promises to be another signature event to kick off the holiday season and showcase wonderful and unique wines to the community.
This year features eight different distributors and wineries pouring their favorite selections. More than 100 different wines will be available from all over the world, with something for everyone to enjoy. Many famous name wineries will be represented, along with some unique smaller groups that are upcoming stars in the wine trade.
In addition, more than 35 silent auction items will be available, ranging from signed framed prints and large format bottles to unique bottle sets and one of a kind releases, along with many more. All items are donated by the participating wineries and 100 percent of the money raised at the event goes to the selected charities.
Again this year, the benefit will feature appetizers and hors d'oeuvres such as smoked salmon, ham biscuits, asparagus in pastry and a wide selection of cheeses and desserts designed to complement the wide variety of red, white and sparkling wines.
The Optimist International Foundation designs part of their work to fund scholarships for deserving students to help with initial college costs and expenses for higher education.
The benefit hopes to pay for two or three of these students grants through the Optimist Foundation starting next year or even into 2014. Center Stage Theatre, celebrating 35 years in the community, will be funding four major productions this season and income from the benefit will allow them to bring first-rate plays and musicals to Wayne County this season and next year.
Tickets are $35 if purchased before Nov. 10, and $40 on the day of the event. Each purchase includes a commemorative glass. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, contact HealtHabit Natural Foods at 601 N. Spence Ave. at (919) 751-0300, or the Paramount Theatre at 919-583-8423.