Wine, cash flow at benefit for cancer support house
Posted on Sunday, May 4, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Northwest_Profiles/224735/
FORT SMITH — Wine and Roses gala chairmen Joyce and J. Lee Didier put their money where their mouths were during the April 26 event at the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House. The pair were high bidders on a “vertical” of Harlan Estate Cabernet, paying $ 10, 000 for 10 bottles produced in consecutive years, from 1992-2001.
The 14 th annual event raised at least $ 140, 000 for the support house’s programs and services. Proceeds came from ticket sales, a wine auction, sponsorships, the sale of art and the sale of 99 dozen roses at a cost of $ 100 each. Bouquets were designated in honor or memory of those who had cancer, or lost their lives to cancer.
Guests were greeted at the party by volunteers serving complimentary wine and champagne. Specialty wines selected specifically for the party were sold for $ 10 a glass. Fare was by The Event Group in Fayetteville and included miniature Cuban burgers spiced with ancho chili aioli sauce, shrimp gazpacho shooters, crostinis topped with grilled vegetables, chicken kebabs drizzled with orange-tarragon sauce, crab cakes with mango salsa, black bean empanadas, guacamole and assorted salsas and a Cuban-rubbed beef carving station.
An entire room was devoted to desserts including fruitinis served with a chocolate swirl stick, chocolate mousse shots spiced with Kahlua, chocolate truffle lollipops and edible white chocolate spoons topped with strawberry vanilla mousse.
Wine and Roses art-auction chairman Conley Golden brought in original works by European artists Gerard Boulfray, Jean-Pierre Monod, Jean-Pierre Mocci and Milia Mocci. Pieces by Arkansas artists Barry Thomas, Kendall Thomas, Jimmy Leach, Mary Stuart Arrington, Denise Luft, Shawn Shrum, Nancy Dickins, Sissy Clinton, Boots Barnett Warrick and Matt McLeod were also available.
A live auction featured three vacation packages, two of which were valued in excess of $ 2, 500 each. Cancer support foundation board member Max Correll bought a one-week stay for six at a home in Kauai, Hawaii; O. S. Adams bought the two-night stay for six in a cabin at Estes Park, Colo.; and a one-week stay for six at the Didiers’ home on Santa Maria Island went to Charles Still.