In case it slipped your mind, the Kinship Center’s 49th annual
Wine and Food Tasting fundraiser is tomorrow, and anyone who’s
anyone will be there.
Hollister – In case it slipped your mind, the Kinship Center’s 49th annual Wine and Food Tasting fundraiser is tomorrow, and anyone who’s anyone will be there.
“It’s down to crunch time now,” admitted Nan Oliveira, president of Kinship’s local chapter. “But the committee heads have done a wonderful job, and it always comes together beautifully.”
The wine tasting is arguably San Benito County’s biggest social event of the year and, as such, tickets always sell out. Slackers need not despair, however. As of Thursday, a few hundred tickets were still available for purchase at $45 a piece. The price includes snacks and of course, wine, as well as a keepsake glass. Tickets are being sold exclusively through Fortino’s Total Home.
“San Benito County is interesting in that people don’t like to buy tickets until a few days before the event,” said Oliveira. “But come Saturday you’ll have 50 people who want to go but can’t because the tickets are all gone. So we encourage people to get their tickets now.”
“Everything’s right on schedule, and it’s going to be a beautiful day,” said Vicki Fortino, the event’s publicist and a participant for nine years.
The party is held every year at Paicines Ranch, about 10 miles south of Hollister, from 4:00 to 6:30 pm. Guests must be over 21.
“Even if you have a baby in backpack, we can’t let you in,” said Oliveira. “Everybody who comes through the gate has to be of legal age.”
Thirty-seven restaurants and 30 wineries from around the region will be setting up sample booths and inviting guests to try their wares while strolling the gardens and visiting with friends.
“We’ve all put in so much work, that you almost feel a little sad because it’s going to be over so soon,” said event co-Chair Colleen Grimes. “But it’s going to be a lot of fun. We’re looking forward to beautiful weather, great food and wine.”
Proceeds from the event benefit various children’s services in San Benito County, ranging from foster care training for families and adoptive services to teen pregnancy and crisis counseling. Annually, the event grosses $50,000 for the Kinship Center, and over 1,200 people attend.
A fair portion of the money raised comes from the event’s silent auction, a yearly highlight of the party. This year guests can bid on items donated from throughout California, such as a week at a Capitola Beach House, a weekend of dinner theatre in San Francisco, and autographed Hollywood memorabilia, among other items.
The event is a formal one, with light dresses suggested for the women and slacks and a tie recommended for men. However, the event is held outdoors, and guests are encouraged to dress sensibly.
“It’s on a lawn,” said Fortino. “So be careful to wear shoes that won’t just sink into the grass.”
“This event is about the coming together of people who support the Kinship Center and children who are less fortunate that their own,” said Oliveira. “It’s even better that you get to visit with friends that you haven’t seen in a year, and enjoy the best food and wine in San Benito County.”
Most important, though, is that guests are asked to celebrate responsibly, look out for one another and drive home safely. After all, it’s important that everyone be able to attend next year’s bash.
